Young brass musicians and Norwegian guests sparkled in an historic first event at the new Saddleworth School.
A 200-strong audience attended the event in the school’s new hall last night, Thursday, featuring Saddleworth School Brass Band, guests Dobcross Youth Band and Delph Youth Band, and very special guests from Bergen, Norway - the brass ensemble of Manger Folkhogskule.
The concert highlighted an array of talented young brass musicians and an eclectic programme of music.
These included the Saddleworth School anthem, "Hail Smiling Morn" to Pharrell Williams' "Happy'" and music from James Bond films as well as a fab four medley featuring the music of The Beatles.
The Norwegian guests gave commanding performances of "The Muppet Show Theme", an original work by Dennis Wright titled "Sonatina" closing with 'the Camptown Races.
Saddleworth School Year 11 student Angus Rowan featured as a soloist with Dobcross Youth Band in a performance of the challenging and popular Trombone solo "The Acrobat".
Also featuring in the programme was the highly popular "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from the Disney film "Encanto".
The concert concluded with the Randy Newman classic "A Friend Like Me" from the Pixar film Toy Story.
Garrath Beckwith, the school’s curriculum leader of music, said: “The standard from each of the four different ensembles was first class and the audience were royally entertained.
“The concert was recorded live on the evening by Oldham Community Radio and the entire concert will be broadcast on Oldham Community Radio - 99.7fm at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 4.
“It was fabulous to hold the first concert in our new home in Diggle.
“And head teacher Mr Anderson stated at the concert, it was wonderful to be back making live music with a supportive and appreciative live audience to support our wonderful young musicians.
“A special thank you to all the members of staff who helped run this successful evening, a further special thanks to the fantastic audience who attended on the evening.
“And finally, a huge thank you to all the talented musicians who performed at this concert.
“The music department really enjoyed creating this opportunity to showcase our gifted young students and are already planning further exciting events in the not-too-distant future...
“Next up, the Summer Concert - watch this space for more details.”
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