Concert band showcases talent

The Worthing Youth Concert Band was chosen from thousands of performers to showcase its talents at next month’s 2012 Music For Youth festival in Birmingham.

The event, which offers young and talented musicians a chance to play to large audiences, will be held in the city’s 2,500-seater Symphony Hall on Thursday July 5.

The Worthing group is made up of 35 young players aged between 14-and-18-years-old.

Conductor Jenny Smith, a professional musician who has played on stage with top artists including Elton John, has been coaching the band for more than two years.

She said: “This is the first time the band has been picked for the Music For Youth festival and we are all very excited to have the opportunity to play on such a big stage.

“We will be travelling up to Birmingham next month for what promises to be a memorable day.”

The concert band rehearses once-a-week at Worthing High School and boasts a repertoire of film scores and well-known show tunes.

They recently showcased their talents to shoppers in Worthing when they performed in the town centre last weekend.

Peter Griffiths, County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, said its success was a remarkable achievement for the band as well as the West Sussex Music Service.

He added: “Being invited to play at the prestigious Birmingham Symphony Hall shows the high standard of playing the Youth Concert Band has attained under Jenny Smith’s leadership.”