Musical youth hit high notes

Matthew Jacks (left) and Jacob Parkinson with the St Mary's Primary School, High Crompton wind band

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THE very best of the borough's musical youth has been blasting out loud and proud during the Annual School's Music Festival.

Around 2,000 talented youngsters from across 40 schools are taking part in 80 performances at the QE Hall during the musical extravaganza which launched on Friday and runs until tomorrow.

On Tuesday 1,700 of those taking part were involved in "Come Play with Halle" at the Bridgewater Hall, in Manchester, during the impressive showcase which is organised by Oldham Music Centre.

The event was honoured to welcome back Keith Allen, the widely respected artistic director of the National Concert Band Festival, as adjudicator.

During the shows there are eight awards up for grabs including best overall contribution, outstanding orchestra and brass band and most memorable performance.

Oldham mayor, Councillor Shadab Qumer, was a guest of honour during performances on Monday and presented primary and secondary students with certificates to mark their contribution.

Gerard Booth, Oldham Music Centre's director of music, said: "This sort of event is pretty unique these days but Oldham has such musical talent and heritage. It's also down to the fact the music service in the borough is still so strong and works with most of the schools in Oldham.

"This year's performers have made an excellent contribution and it's been a really high standard yet again, I'm pleased to say, involving a mixture of styles of music from brass bands to rock and pop."

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