Wardle High Youth Band goes the distance for Olympics

The Mayor and Mayoress enjoy music from Wardle High Youth Band on the day that the Olympic Torch Relay came to Rochdale town centre

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Young musicians at Wardle High School have had an exhilarating few weeks helping to celebrate the forthcoming London Olympics.

Firstly, the award-winning Wardle High Youth Band provided a magnificent musical accompaniment as the Olympic Torch Relay arrived in Rochdale town centre.

Secondly, the band has taken part in ‘Brass the Baton’, an exciting event running in partnership with the 2012 Olympic Games to celebrate both the Games and brass band music.

The project provides a unique opportunity for brass musicians and conductors of all ages and standards to perform a new musical commission, ‘Going the Distance’.

‘Brass the Baton’ is a relay involving five conductor’s batons, each representing one of the Olympic rings and coloured accordingly. The batons are being passed by participating ensembles across the UK and overseas until they reach the London 2012 Festival on Sunday 22 July.

Pupils at Wardle High School received their baton from Wakefield Girls High Brass Band and performed 'Going the Distance' as the finale of their annual Summer Spectacular concert.

The following day saw band member Laura Conway pass the baton to Elland Youth Brass Band who performed the piece at the start of the Brighouse March Contest.

Lee Rigg, Conductor of Wardle High Youth Band, said: “Our students have prepared for these events with great dedication and I’m delighted that they will now have such fantastic memories which will last for the rest of their lives.

“Wardle High Youth Band is pleased to have been associated with, and to have contributed to, both prestigious events.”