On Sunday 21st November the High School was bursting with wind and brass players of all ages participating in our second Wind and Brass Festival. All attending were divided into three bands by ability ranging from an almost beginners band to a senior band containing players up to conservatoire level.
As well as participating in bands there were trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet and saxophone ensembles, masterclasses and workshops. We were fortunate in being able to welcome five outstanding professional musicians to the high school: Phillipe Schartz, Principal Trumpet of the BBC Welsh Orchestra; Donal Bannister, Principal Trombone of the BBC Welsh Orchestra; leading Irish flautist, Gareth McLearnon, Colin Honour, Principal Clarinet of Opera North and Alistair Parnell, our local saxophone specialist.
After a busy day, all the musicians joined together in a Dining Hall packed with family and friends for an outstanding concluding concert. Special thanks must go to all who participated and supported the event but particularly to Mr Douglas and Mr Lacey for all of their hard work putting the day together and to Windblowers Music Shop, whose sponsorship made the day such an overwhelming success.
