Exciting Engage day at the RNCM
On Sunday 1 October the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) was alive with the sound of young brass players, with the first "Engage” event of the new school term. The event saw over 120 young brass players stepping through the doors of RNCM, from four of the North West’s leading youth brass bands: Stockport Schools Brass Band, Astley Youth Band, Macclesfield Youth Band and Lancashire Youth Brass Band.
“Engage” is a partnership initiative between the RNCM, local youth brass bands and their leaders, and is supported by Brass Bands England. During the last 18 months, RNCM student ensembles have been paired with local youth bands to provide support on a monthly basis, providing college students first-hand experience of working with young people, while the youngsters benefit from the extra support and encouragement offered. The ensembles have attended band rehearsals to sit in among the students to support them with all aspects of their playing and the college students have in many cases become role models for the young people.
Helen Minshall (BBE and Lancashire Youth Band) commented “The Youth Bands have been delighted to take part in this initiative”. Some of the country’s leading brass specialists including, Tom Smith (cornet), Helen Varley (tenor horn), David Thornton (euphonium / baritone) Christian Jones (trombone), Les Neish (tuba) and Richard Charles (percussion), provided mentoring throughout the day. Participants also had the opportunity to attend an exciting creative workshop with Paul Fisher and Helen Minshall, two of the Brass Bands England Brass Foundations Team. The day culminated in an exciting concert for an appreciative audience of families and friends.
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