Musical youth are top class at brass

Photo: Anthony Miller

PUPIL Alexandre Pereira Do Amaral (front) with his musical classmates and (back, from the left) head teacher Lynne Burnley, brass teacher Andrew Wilson and parent-governor Tracey Hardman.

What started as a pilot project six years ago has blossomed into a community-wide scheme to bring the joy of music to Oldhamers.

Now St Hugh’s Primary School, Holts, has been nominated for a Pride In Oldham award as a tribute to the staff’s musical motivation.

Working with Oldham Music Centre, the school was the first in the borough to start the wider opportunities scheme in 2004.

Ensuring every pupil had access to brass instrument lessons, the scheme was even made available for adults.

One of the school’s parents, Tracey Hardman, took up the brass lessons herself and has since become a governor and been employed as teaching assistant at the school.

She said: “I never had a chance to learn to play when I was at school.

“I am really proud of my three children who have all been given the chance to access the excellent music provision and I have enjoyed learning alongside them.

“One of my children took his music GCSE a year early playing the tuba, and I’ve moved up to first cornet in the school band.”

The response from the community has been overwhelming, with youngsters performing countless concerts and heading out for special performances.

School staff were thrilled when they found out they had been nominated for the award.

Head teacher Lynne Burnley said: “It has been a joy to watch how music has raised enjoyment and achievement and built up the school’s positive profile.

“I believe that the joy of learning to play an instrument and music making should be an entitlement for all children.

“Music has been a driving force in raising aspirations at St Hugh’s for the past six years and has positively impacted on raising standards in school.

“Its long-lasting effects on learners will ensure that they can take this skill with them when they leave the school and be able to enjoy music making throughout their lives.”