12th October 2008

Astley Youth Band have just returned victorious from their annual trip to Fleetwood to participate in the North West Counties Youth Band Championships!
 
For the 3rd time in 4 years, the band has won 1st place, securing the Stan Winter Memorial Trophy, and £400 prize money!
 
And in additon, 3 new awards found their way home to Astley this year.
 
The Colin Rowson Scholarship for the Best Cornet was awarded to Astley's Principal Cornet Player, Matthew Woodward. 17 year old Matthew, who studies at the Junior RNCM, is a Year 13 student at St Mary's Catholic High School, and a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
 
The Alan Rowson Scholarship for the Best Trombone was awarded to Astley's Principal Trombone Player, Samantha Minshall. 16 year old Samantha, who also studies at the Junior RNCM, is a Year 11 student at Fred Longworth High School, and a member of the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Great Britain.
 
The George Atherton Memorial Trophy was presented to Musical Director Helen Minshall. Helen, who is Instrumental Manager for Bolton Music Service, started Astley Youth Band in 1994, with the help of her husband Stephen, for local children in the Astley / Tyldesley area. More than 300 children have passed through the doors of the band since then, and many are still enjoying participating in bands up and down the country. Astley Youth Band, now in its 15th year, continues to go from strength to strength. Astley players can be found in some of the UK's top bands - Foden's Richardson Band - currently ranked number 1 band in the world, has 2 Astley players as members, and no fewer than 4 current or ex-Astley players performed at the Royal Albert Hall in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain's Summer BBC Promenade Concert in August.
 
The band is now preparing for a busy Christmas Concert schedule, with concerts at Bedford High School on Thursday 4th December, St Mary's Church Ellenbrook on Thursday 11th December, and St John's Church Atherton on Thursday 18th December. (All concerts start at 7pm and you can pay on the door)  In addition there are many carolling dates planned during December in Asda Leigh, and various local restaurants.
 
The band rehearses at Bedford High School in Leigh on Thursday evenings. Training Band, which is for players of beginner - Grade 2 standard rehearses from 6.30-7.30pm. Senior Band, which is for players of Grade 3 standard and above, rehearses from 6.30-9pm. New members are always welcome! There are instruments available for players to borrow, and lots of tuition opportunities and encouragement on tap to help youngsters achieve their full potential!
 
Please e mail Musical Director Helen Minshall for further information.