Just to give you advance notice / reminders of some important AYB dates in the next couple of months.

As you will be aware, both Training Band and Senior Band are taking part in the National Youth Brass Band Championships on Sunday 22nd April at RNCM. We won’t have the actual performance time until the end of March, so it’s best to keep the whole day free.

Following the 2 week Easter holidays, we have arranged a crucial extra rehearsal at Bolton Music Centre on SUNDAY 15th APRIL. Senior Band 1pm – 4pm. Training Band 1pm – 2.30pm. Please make sure you can attend.

Also, please put these dates in your diary.

Friday 4th May                   Senior Band – 3 Bands Concert at RNCM

Sunday 13th May               Senior Band Concert at Sacred Heart RC Church, Westhoughton. 2.30pm start.

Sunday 20th May               Senior Band possible joint concert with Faireys Band in Stockport. Still to be confirmed.

Friday 6th July                    Prizegiving – both bands. Tyldesley Rugby Club

Bolton Music Centre recently hosted four tutors from Foden’s Band to help the Bolton and Astley Youth Bands in their preparation for the forthcoming National Youth Brass Band Championships in April.

Foden's stars

Mark Wilkinson, Chris Haigh, Mark Bousie and Chris Bastock were joined by Bolton Head of Brass Helen Minshall and former Foden’s member Toby Hobson.

Helen told 4BR: "The day began with sectionals for Bolton Youth Brass Band, working on Goff Richards’s test piece ‘Oceans’, with Mark Bousie later leading a full rehearsal during which great progress was made.

The band is looking forward to the contest, and the workshop was really beneficial to the preparations."

Huge challenge

In the afternoon, the tutors worked with Astley Youth Band playing the Goff Richards test piece ‘Saddleworth Festival Overture’.

Helen added: "With players as young as 8 years old, and an ability range of Grade 2 upwards, this piece is a huge challenge for the band, who won the award as ‘Band with the Most Potential’ at last year’s contest.

Again, the tutors worked really hard to help the youngsters achieve their very best."

I’m writing to tell you about an exciting new project which will be starting next month. Bolton Music Service is launching “Brass Unlimited”, which is a new opportunity for adults who want to learn to play a brass instrument. Toby will be running the group which will meet at Kearsley Mount Methodist Church from 12 noon till 1pm on a Wednesday, starting on 2^nd November. It’s aimed at any adult who has some spare time during the day on a Wednesday, regardless of age or previous experience - you are welcome even if you are a complete beginner, or someone who hasn’t played for 30 years! Why not come along and give it a go?

Instruments can be hired at a very reasonable cost, but don’t forget you may be able to borrow one from your child or grandchild……….. Please see the attached leaflet; there is a form on it for you to complete and return if you are interested.