Musical students and pupils join forces

Reporter: Catherine Smyth
Date online: 15 July 2010

PRIMARY and high school musicians joined forces and, after just a few hours rehearsal, presented a concert. 

The primary school music day at Haslingden High School was the brainchild of new Head of Expressive Arts Kevin Gibbs, who has already started a brass band club in school. 

He said: “This is a fantastic way to celebrate and nurture the musical talent we have in Rossendale and hopefully provide new, younger players for the many traditional brass bands that still thrive in every area of the Valley.”
Mr Gibbs is no stranger to the brass band world having played for Black Dyke and Brighouse and Rastrick, and he even played with the Stocksbridge Band in the hit film ‘The Full Monty’. More locally he was musical director of Goodshaw Band.
At Haslingden, students mingled with primary pupils from Crawshawbooth, Water, St Saviour’s and St Vincent’s, Norden. 

Nine-year-old Millie Taylforth, from Crawshawbooth, said: “I play the cornet. I have enjoyed the day because I like playing brass instruments and love learning new music.” Crawshawbooth teacher Sue Flint said: “Our band has only been playing for about three weeks and they played their first concert at the school summer fair.
“Events like this are fantastic because the pupils get to see what they are aiming for and it gives them an indication of what it is going to be like for them in the future at high school – as well as keeping music alive in the Valley.” 

Mr Gibbs was assisted by Charlie Codd who also plays with Stacksteads Band and 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band. “Music is all about enjoying yourself and that is what the students and pupils have had the chance to do throughout this day,” added Mr Gibbs. “They also got to play in a concert in front of their parents and Year 8 students and all had a wonderful time.”