Youth band takes national honours

On Sunday April 10th the Oldham Council Music Centre Youth Wind Band took part in the National Concert Band Festival at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The band qualified for this prestigious National event following their successful performance at the Regional Festival heat, held in Altrincham Grammar School last November.

A YOUTH wind band competed against some of the country’s top bands to win the highest accolade from adjudicators when they took part in the National Concert Band Festival.

Oldham Music Centre Youth Wind Band received a platinum award when it took part in the festival at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Regular conductor Andy Wilson wasn’t able to attend, so Jonathan Leedale stepped in to lead the band in a performance of “Gallimaufry” which one adjudicator said would have made the composer Guy Woolfenden proud.

Mr Leedale, the regular conductor of Oldham Music Centre Youth Brass Band, said: “The band was just brilliant.

“Andy has done a fabulous job in getting them to play to such a high standard.

“The feedback could not have been more positive and I am very proud of what the students have achieved.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to conduct the band.

“What a very positive experience this festival is — I really enjoyed being part of it.”

The band qualified for the National event following a successful performance at the Regional Festival heat, held in Altrincham Grammar School last November.

Conducted by Andy Wilson the band performed “S.P.Q.R.” which is also by Guy Woolfenden.

Picture: Oldham Council Music Centre Youth Wind Band taking part in the National Concert Band Festival at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

email: jacobmetcalf@oldham-chronicle.co.uk