Wardle Academy Youth Band win the European Youth Championships

Wardle Academy Youth Band win the European Youth Championships

Wardle Academy Youth Band are European Champions having won the 2018 European Brass Band Championships, just two weeks after becoming National Champions.

The band is made up of 45 young musicians aged from 11 to 18 who rehearse once a week after school at Wardle Academy, Rochdale, under the leadership of their conductor, Lee Rigg.

The European Brass Band Championships were held in Utrecht, Netherlands, and the band performed against several other Youth Bands from around Europe, playing in the TivoliVredenburg Concert Hall.

Conducted by Lee Rigg the Youth Band played four songs; Fanfare & Flourishes, Valerius Variations, Lark in the Clear Air and Jubilation.

Wardle Academy competed in the Development Section and came first with 92 points.

Conductor, Lee Rigg said: “Winning this competition now means the band have automatic qualification to represent England at next year’s European Championships to be held in Montreux, Switzerland. 

“Winning this is a great achievement as the standard is incredibly high and many hours of practice are required to perform at this level are high.

“This is already turning out to be a great year for Wardle Academy's music department and they hope to achieve yet more in the coming months.

“These outstanding achievements show the dedication and passion of our students and the music department.

“They represent the school and community brilliantly and Wardle Academy are extremely proud of all of them.”