29th Youth Brass Band Entertainment Festival of Great Britain

Wardle High School at the 29th Action Medical Youth Brass Band Entertainment Festival of Great Britain in Blackpool

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On 10 February Wardle High School took part in the 29th Action Medical Youth Brass Band Entertainment Festival of Great Britain in Blackpool. The festival involved the groups being scored on both the quality of their music and on the entertainment value of their performance.

Wardle High School’s Youth Band and Junior Band both participated in the competition. The Youth Band achieved a creditable 4th place in Music claiming The Whipp and Bourne Trophy and were 5th overall. The competition was fierce but the band put a great deal of effort into their performance and, despite being three members down due to illness, their performance was polished and proficient.

The Youth Band received some great comments from both adjudicators. The Entertainment adjudicator, Robin Dewhurst, said: "A varied and well-received set demonstrating some very solid ensemble skills and dynamic shifts", "some impressive moments of impact". The Music adjudicator, Andrew Berryman, said: "an exciting programme with some fabulous playing."

The Junior Band also participated in the competition and achieved The Yamaha Trophy. Their performance was inspired by a circus theme and the band were creative with both their costumes and prop design. The performance was colourful and entertaining and special praise is deserved by Louise Rigg, ringmaster extraordinaire, who gave a fantastic performance. The Juniors too received great comments from both adjudicators.

Robin Dewhurst, said the performance was a 'fresh, vibrant and colourful visual presentation' which was 'engaging and effective', 'well-prepared' eliciting a 'great crowd response'. Andrew Berryman, said, 'Good sensitive accompaniment', 'excellent dynamics', 'great show everyone . . . ensemble and tuning were very good and (most importantly) you were enjoying it'.

Both bands faced tough competition and standards were set very high. Despite both bands giving their best effort, Youth Brass 2000, under the direction of Chris Jeans, became the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Champions of Great Britain for a fifth time in Blackpool on Sunday.

Wardle High School has a strong tradition in the performing arts, but particularly in brass band music. They provide instrumental teaching for every pupil who wants it, be it string, woodwind, percussion or brass at no charge other than the insurance cover for their instrument. The school has several groups and bands and they also support local primary schools.

As part of the festival, students were able to enjoy the sights and activities Blackpool has to offer. The students behaved impeccably and the trip was enjoyed by all.

Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts, said: "We have a long tradition of participating in this Festival, our musicians are all from the district around Wardle , they are all taught by Wardle High School staff, I am proud, as always, of their achievements this weekend."