About
Astley Youth Band is an independent, self funded, community based musical organisation with the following ensembles: Astley Training Band, Astley Youth Band, Astley Unlimited Band and Astley Unlimited Choir.
It is a registered charity (1144563) in England and Wales.
The charitable aims of the organisation are
To advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music in all its aspects by any means the trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals.
To further the charitable purpose or purposes as the trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit but in particular through the making of grants and donations.
The organisation aims to promote brass music and singing for people of all ages in the area. We provide a worthwhile recreational activity and can provide assistance to local schools, churches and organisations and fund raising events. We provide a social gathering where children or adults can enjoy attending, enabling them to meet new friends outside their home, work and school environments. The organisation caters for all, all leaders within the organisation are DBS checked.
Members of Astley Youth Band have appeared with prestigious national youth music groups including the Hallé Youth Orchestra, the National Children's Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Members have progressed and gone on to study at prestigious music colleges including the Royal College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. As well these members and others have performed with some of the outstanding senior brass bands in the country including Fodens and Black Dyke.
The bands and choir perform throughout the year, and are noted for the diversity of their engagements which include Concerts in the local area, Garden Fetes, Local Processions and Church Functions. The organisation regularly organises tours and forms a tour band from the various ensembles within the organisation.
The organisation could not have made it this far without generous support from the local community.The Rotary Club of Astley have given support as well as Leigh Lions Club, Blackmoor Youth club and local companies who have been equally generous with their aid. Astley Youth Band has also held several fund raising events to buy music and instruments. In March 1996 the band was awarded a grant of £27,500 from the National Lottery through the Arts Council of England for the purchase of new instruments.
The band has also received generous support from the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester, Wigan Council for Voluntary Youth Services Fund, Wigan Community Chest, Wigan Local Network Fund and the Wigan Council Youth Opportunity Fund.
Each year the band hosts a prizegiving ceremony, attended by local dignitaries, celebrating the ongoing success of the band where the opportunity is taken to reward band members for their attendance, dedication and hard work and to thank all those who make the band possible.
