Youngsters get a lift from top brass

PITCH battle . . . the site of the application — fields behind Higher Lime Road, Limehurst Village

YOUNG Oldham musicians will be able to get expert help from world-famous brass band Brighouse & Rastrick

The band has formed a partnership with Oldham Music Centre Youth Brass Band. They will hold joint concerts - the first on July 10 at Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The day will include an afternoon rehearsal session, when Brighouse & Rastrick will provide five principal players to tutor the young players. The evening concert will include a first half performance by the youth band and a second half from Brighouse & Rastrick - with a joint session to finish.

A joint Christmas event in December will also be held in Oldham.

The partnership will also see Brighouse & Rastrick principals help with the youth band’s preparations for championships and contests, while Brighouse & Rastrick will provide some guest soloists at the music centre’s departmental concerts in 2017. The youth band will get the chance to perform in some Brighouse & Rastrick events in Yorkshire too.

Alan Morrison, band manager for Brighouse & Rastrick said: “We are delighted to team up with the Oldham Music Centre. I have heard their youth band on many occasions, including their Whit Friday contest performances. They achieve a remarkably high standard and I hope we can help them to develop even further.”

Jonathan Leedale, the Oldham Music Centre Youth Brass Band’s conductor added: “I approached Brighouse & Rastrick in February. I was delighted with their positive response. This is fantastic news for our young brass players.”