A COMBINED band concert saw six musicians on stage the whole time as they played for both Haslingden High School and 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band.
The concert, entitled Romance In Brass was supported by the Rotary Club and saw Haslingden High’s Brass Band and Wind Band play along with 2nd Rossendale.
In a grand finale all of the musicians – more than 100 – were on stage to perform One Moment In Time.
The concert, performed at the school’s Sixth Form Theatre, played to a packed house.
There were several quick changes for James Turner, Freya Milward, George Lawryshyn, George Hanson, Beth Woodcock and Lauren Heywood-Clough as they had different uniforms for their school and Scout Band performances.
James, 12, plays cornet. He said: “The atmosphere was really good. It was fun but also a bit tiring being on stage for so many numbers.”
Head of Expressive Arts Kevin Gibbs said: “Our school bands performed with the Scout Band for the centenary of Scouting in Rossendale and we decided to hold this concert as a follow up. I hope we will be able to work together in the future.
“It was a great community link up. We had the venue, the Scout Band did the posters and the Rotary Club organised the raffle and refreshments. It was nice to have everyone working together.”
Freya, 13, also plays cornet. She said: “I really enjoy it and think it is better to play in a band than on your own.”
Her views were echoed by B flat tuba player and pianist Philip Taylor, 14, who said the band was just like a big family.
While alto-sax player Helena Hannah-Shelton, 17, would love to become a professional musician and is planning to study music at university.
She also plays in Rossendale Valley Sounds and the Little Jazz Funk Orchestra.
At the concert solos were performed by Hollie Peat, Ben McQueenie, George Lawryshyn and George Hanson and James played in a trio with the Scout Band.
On Sunday March 17 Haslingden High will be hosting a regional Festival of Music For Youth when groups from all over the North West will be visiting the school to perform alongside Haslingden’s Brass Band, Big Band and Wind Band. The best performers will be picked to perform again in the summer at the National Festival For Youth celebration in Birmingham.
And on March 21 and 22, the school’s Brass Band, Big Band, Wind Band and Saxophone Ensemble will perform at Rochdale Town Hall in the Rochdale Festival of Performing Arts.