Three bands from the Rochdale Music Service travelled to Birmingham recently to take part in the National Concert Band Festival, which was held at the Birmingham Conservatoire.



The bands received the following awards:

 

Rochdale Junior Big Band (Ian Nelson)           SILVER​
Rochdale Youth Big Band (Alec Wares)           PLATINUM​
Rochdale Youth Wind Band (Cathie Brooks)   GOLD​



This is yet another example of the young musicians of the borough holding their own on a national platform. In the relevant categories a quarter of the bands that performed were from Rochdale; an excellent showing in an event that had entries from the length and breadth of Great Britain.

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A selection of brass players then traveled up the M6 with their conductor Stuart Lingard to take part in the second festival of the day; The National Youth Brass Band Championships held at The Royal Northern College of
Music in Manchester. There dedication was duly rewarded by being placed 3rd in their section and gaining a Gold award.



Richard Charles, Head of Rochdale Music Service:

 

“I am bowled over once again by the excellent standards that have been
achieved by the Borough’s bands. Congratulations to all the musicians,
teachers, conductors, parents and supporters whose efforts have made all
this possible. I would also like to congratulate Lee Rigg and his bands from
Wardle High School for an excellent showing at Sunday’s event. Two of the
three bands that gained Gold awards from a field of 16 entries were from
Rochdale.”