Whitworth musicians learn skills from Hallé Orchestra

Students from Whitworth Community High School’s Wind Band and Beginners’ Band on a trip to see the Hallé Orchestra

Keen musicians got the chance to hear the professionals in action on a trip to see the Hallé Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

A total of 29 GCSE students and players from Whitworth Community High School’s Wind Band and Beginners’ Band were on the trip arranged by the Hallé for Youth.

For Sam Milton, 12, music is definitely in his blood. His parents Richard and Rachael met while they were studying at Music College, his dad is a music teacher and also chairman of Whitworth Vale and Healey Band.

Sam plays drums in Whitworth Band, his dad plays tuba and his mum and sister Sophie, 16, both play tenor horn.

Sam said: “I also play tuba in some other bands and percussion and I really enjoy music because it is good fun.

“There were other primary and secondary schools there and this year’s theme for the music was the sun. They introduced the different families in the orchestra: the percussion, strings, woodwind and brass.

“I would like to carry on with my music when I get older but not for a career. I would like to be an architect.”

Amber Bramley has been playing flute for six years starting in primary school and continuing with lessons in high school.

The 12-year-old said: “I had never been to the Bridgewater Hall before but I liked the way they explained about the different parts of an orchestra.

“I am starting doing grades soon and I hope to continue with music when I am older because it is really good. The trip really helped me to understand the music more and made me realise what you can do when you are part of a large group.”