Band that’s big in the community

BIG band: Pride nominees Failsworth Community Band, with Matthew Garlick (centre)

A COMMUNITY band has hit all the right notes after being nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Failsworth Community Band was created 10 years ago in response to parents and ex-pupils finding there was no music provision once they had left school.

The band is fully inclusive and caters for all members of the local community of any age, ability and with any instrument.

Matthew Garlick, director of learning at Failsworth School, is also the conductor and co-founder of the band.

He nominated the voluntarily-run band for all its achievements and hard work that has seen it go from strength to strength.

He said: “Oldham is in the heart of brass band country, but this traditional ensemble does not provide for the changing needs of our young people and local community.

“The Failsworth Community Band bridges this gap as we have a flexible instrumentation policy and can now boast a diverse instrumental line up including electric guitar, percussion, saxophone and vocals.

“Our big band format makes us extremely flexible and able to play music from all genres, from ‘Ratpack’ swing through to 80s rock.”

Over its 10 years, the band has sealed its reputation as true professionals, performing both locally and internationally to sell out audiences.

Not only has it thrilled concertgoers in Paris, the Rhine Valley in Germany and Valkenburg in The Netherlands, but it has entertained previous Pride in Oldham nominees at past award ceremonies as well as the Chronicle’s Oldham One Business Awards.

Mr Garlick said: “The band is run on a voluntary basis by myself and Failsworth School teachers Nick Sheppard and David Clegg.

“With over 50 members, it has provided a pivotal link between Failsworth School and the local community, and we continue to go from strength to strength.”