Youth wind band flying the flag for Oldham

The Oldham Youth Wind Band on stage at the Royal Northern College of Music

Following their performance at the northern regional heat of the National Concert Band Festival last November, the Oldham Music Centre Youth Wind Band were invited to play in the national finals of the event at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. 

They were one of only five bands in their class selected from the entire country to take part.

The band played a programme of three pieces which consisted of the lively opening march, ‘Barnum and Bailey’s Favourite’, a beautiful arrangement by Frank Tichelli of ‘Amazing Grace’, while they concluded with an original, descriptive composition for wind band, ‘Stephenson’s Rocket’. 

This was the second year running that they were selected to perform in the finals of the festival, but their first time for them under the baton of their new conductor, Duncan Byers.

The band played with the sort of style and commitment that they are now renowned for nationally and with a maturity well beyond the actual age of many of the players. 

They were therefore delighted that their efforts were recognised with one of the highly coveted ‘Gold Awards’.

Gerard Booth, Director of Music, said: “Once again Oldham Music Centre’s young musicians are demonstrating that they are amongst the very best nationally. 

"It is a great credit to them and their teachers that in these days of increasing pressures on the Arts, they continue to successfully fly the flag for Oldham’s musical talent at the very highest level."