BUDDING MUSICIANS are hitting all the right notes as Oldham Youth Wind Band achieved a Platinum Award at the National Concert Band Regional Festival while singer James Fitzsimons shone at the Holmfirth Music festival.
The Oldham Youth Wind Band clinch the award – the highest accolade possible – at the festival at Altrincham Grammar School after competing against groups of the highest standards from all over the country.
Conducted by Andrew Wilson the band gave an outstanding performance of the Illyrian Dances by Guy Woolfenden.
The platinum achievement gives the band an automatic entry into the National Concert Band Festival final, which will be held in Birmingham next year.
Andrew Wilson said: “I am so proud of each and every one of the youth wind band. Keith Allen the adjudicator said we captured the style of the Illyrian Dances to perfection and he will be telling the composer of the quality of our playing.”
Gerard Booth, Director of Music for Oldham, commented: “Under Andrew’s leadership the band has done so well to reach such a high standard in such a short time. We are all looking forward to the finals in Birmingham in 2014.”
Meanwhile, Year Five James Fitzsimons impressed at the Holmfirth Music festival last month and came away with some magnificent results.
He achieved first prize in both the solo singing for boys under 12 and solo singing for boys unbroken voice, as well as first prize in under 13s guitar and under 11s piano.
James was also commended for his performance of Little People in the under 14s Musicals section and for his contribution in the Under 11s piano duet category.
A member of the Oldham Music Centre singing group Vocal Recall, the young musician enjoys singing, plaays classical and jazz piano and performing on the classical guitar.
Rebecca Fox, from the Oldham Music Centre, commented: “I am delighted for James. As his singing teacher this set of results makes me very proud.
“I would also like to encourage others to enter music competitions such as this. They are a good experience for young performers and help them to develop their confidence when appearing in public.”
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