Musicians get bite of the Big Apple

A GROUP of young Oldham musicians will show America how it is done when they embark on a tour of New York.

More than 90 senior students from Oldham Music Centre will set off on their adventure next Thursday, taking in the Glen Cove Music Festival, Long Island; Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park; and Pier 78 on the Hudson River.

New Yorkers will be treated to a wide range of styles as the group have been picked from the centre’s many choirs, orchestras and ensembles.

Tour organiser Gerard Booth said: “New York will provide a thrilling experience for the young people.

“I would like to thank our generous sponsors who have contributed almost £17,000 towards the cost of the tour.

“Businesses, music-centre staff, parents and the students themselves have all been involved in our fund- raising efforts and we are especially grateful to the Walton Trust for their superb support.

“The 92 musicians taking part will give us the flexibility to perform brass band, wind band and orchestral pieces.”

The students taking part in the tour will be giving a pre-tour concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Sunday (7.30pm) where they will perform a number of pieces from their tour programme.

Tickets are available from the Oldham Music Centre on 0161-627 2332.

Cabinet member for children, young people and families, Councillor Kay Knox, said: “The music-centre students will do us all proud.”