Dobcross Youth Band, a cornerstone of musical education in the Saddleworth area of Oldham, has celebrated success at the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. On March 28, the band competed against 42 other ensembles from across England, bringing home silver and bronze certificates that reflect the hard work of its young members.

The band attended the event with all three of its sections: beginner, trainer and youth. This comprehensive approach allowed 78 young musicians, aged between seven and 18, to participate in the national competition. For many of the younger players, it was their first time performing at such a high-profile event, making it a memorable and educational experience.

Band Secretary Jenny Wood highlighted the significance of the occasion. “The event was remarkable as ever and the children had a wonderful time,” she said. “It was great to see many of our youngsters playing for the first time at the event, including a selection of first-time soloists.” Her comments underscore the band’s commitment to developing young talent from an early age.

All three bands delivered strong performances on the day. The training band was awarded a silver certificate for its efforts, while the youth band received a bronze. The beginner band also performed well, gaining valuable experience from the event. The feedback from adjudicators will be invaluable as the band looks ahead to a busy season, which includes the popular Whit Friday contests.

The band’s success is built on a foundation of continuous learning. Leading up to the championships, members participated in masterclasses with principal players from top brass bands such as Black Dyke, Foden’s, Grimethorpe Colliery, and Brighouse and Rastrick. These sessions were part of a fun weekend away for the youngsters, providing expert coaching that helped refine their skills and boost their confidence for the competition.

In November, Dobcross Youth Band also hosted a masterclass for aspiring brass players from the community aged 13 and under. Thirty-five youngsters, aged six to 12, attended an afternoon of workshops with some of the region’s top musicians. This masterclass was a key part of the band’s outreach efforts, offering young people the chance to learn from experienced professionals.

Dobcross Youth Band plays a vital role in the Saddleworth community, part of the Oldham borough. By offering opportunities for children and teenagers to develop their musical abilities, the band contributes to the area’s rich brass band tradition. The success at the nationals is a source of pride for the local area and demonstrates the effectiveness of the band’s youth programmes in developing skilled and passionate musicians.

The achievements of the Dobcross Youth Band, from national competition success to community masterclasses, highlight the importance of such groups in the Oldham area. They inspire young people to pursue music and provide a platform for them to perform on both local and national stages, ensuring the future of brass band music in the region.