Wardle school band in tune for Olympics

Wardle High Youth Band

The Olympic Torch will receive a very special welcome to Rochdale next month courtesy of the award winning Wardle High Youth Band.

Pupils in the 40-piece brass ensemble will be on a stage outside the Town Hall on Saturday 23 June to play the Olympic Fanfare and Theme as the Torch arrives.

The honour is a fitting recognition of the school’s musical achievements. Among recent accolades it won the 2011 National Youth Band Championship while later in the year youngsters performed at the School Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Conductor Lee Rigg said: “The event outside the Town Hall is going to be a wonderful occasion. As soon as the Torch comes round the corner the band will strike up with the Fanfare.

“The Olympic Torch coming to the borough is something that will live in people’s memories for ever and to be such a central part of it will be a fantastic experience for our band members.”

Sadly a prior commitment will prevent Lee from conducting the band on the day. It will be a case of keeping it in the family, though, as his stand-in will be brother-in-law Sean Conway.

Lee will be back at the helm a week later when he conducts at the school’s summer spectacular on Saturday 30 June. This event will see the band participate in Brass the Baton, a project that will bring together brass bands across the country to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics.

Bands of all ages and abilities will link up and participate in a huge relay race involving five conductors’ batons and a new musical piece entitled “Going The Distance”.

Donna Martin, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The Wardle High Youth Band is brimming with talent and I’m delighted that it will be part of both these events.

“With all the ability and dedication that these young people possess I’m sure they will do the borough proud.”

Tickets: www.london2012.com/event/9000964749