Top brass lessons for Tameside pupils

Date published: 11 May 2010

Pupils from Tameside Schools were treated to a special music workshop led by two of the world’s finest brass players.

Alex Kerwen and Sandy Smith from the acclaimed Black Dyke band ran the intensive half day course for children aged between eight and 16 before the band’s sell-out afternoon performance at Dukinfield Town Hall on Sunday May 9.

The participating pupils all have regular brass lessons through Tameside Music Service’s Wider Opportunities programme – which gives all children in the borough’s primary schools the chance to learn a musical instrument.

Sandy Smith said: “It’s great to see young people making music and joining in with the social side of brass banding. If it had not been for free instrumental tuition when I was at school, I would never have had the chance to play and end up being a Tenor Horn player with the Black Dyke Mills Band.”

Alex Kerwen, who plays Flugel horn in the band agreed: “For the children to achieve so much in such a short time was remarkable – the instrumental teachers have worked wonders with these pupils.”

Manor Green P{rimary School Headteacher Jackie Lomas, who was closely involved in the project, said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to further develop the work done by Tameside Music Service on the Wider Opportunities programme. The workshop with Black Dyke will help our pupils to aspire to greater things in the future.”

Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning Cllr Ged Cooney said: "Tameside Music Service offers a variety of instrumental and vocal lessons as well as a wide range of ensembles for children of all ages and abilities. This workshop was just one example of the many inspiring opportunities it offers pupils."

For more information please contact Ritchie Howard, Music service project co-ordinator on 0161 320 4246 or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/musicservice