Mossley Hollins students thrill with brass band concert

TRUMPETS, TROMBONES and cornets filled Mossley Hollins High School to the rafters as more than 120 pupils put on a brilliant brass programme.

Over the last year, a brand new scheme has seen the secondary school link up with their feeder primary schools to offer brass instruments tuition to pupils aged 10 to 16.

The revolutionary programme – the only one of its kind in the UK – uses plastic instruments imported from China with vital help from Korg, who are the sole importers of the products.

Pupils learn in the primary schools on these instruments before transferring to brass when they start at Mossley Hollins High School.

And after months of lessons, practising and rehearsals, the high school brought all the primary schools together to showcase all the work they have done over the last year.

Steve Beardmore, Head of Arts and Sports at Mossley Hollins, explained: “Playing in brass bands is a tradition in the North West of England that has existed for a very long time.

“We are attempting to continue this tradition by providing tuition and widening the opportunities for pupils to play together in brass bands in our high school and in local primary schools.

“Despite cut backs in provision it is possible to really enable youngsters to learn and enjoy playing music together in what we hope will be a lifetime pursuit.”

For the concert, which was conducted by Mr Evans, the primary schools programme featured seven short pieces including Techno Party, I Spy, Three Note Hoedown and Everybody Conga.

The Junior Band played a programme of six pieces including an opening Fanfare, Gospel Rock and Mini March while the Intermediate Band finished with four pieces including Steal Away and Rock Around the Band.