This press release has been written by Heidi Bates, age 15, as part of the Young Reporters scheme. Young Reporters are part of a new youth media initiative across Calderdale called ExPRESSion, which is run by Calderdale Council’s Children and Young People’s Service. The Young Reporters work hard to find great stories, report on positive news and share information about events that take place across the area. The project enables them to build their skills and experience in writing blogs, articles, reviews and much more. These young people dedicate their time for free and they are passionate about being able to share great stories online and in print.
On Saturday 22 June, 200 talented young musicians of a variety of ages, came together to present a musical spectacular to launch the opening of the Calderdale Music Hub. Nine acts performed over almost three hours at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax. The event showcased a wide range of different genres of music.
The night began with an energetic ‘Samba Dual’ between the Brooksbank Sports College Samba Band and the Calderdale Youth Samba Band. This was shortly followed by the Calderdale Youth Wind Band performing a selection of pieces including a delightful Disney melody. Calderdale Music Hub students, Hebe, Adam, Tom and Oscar combined in a band to demonstrate the vast musical versatility of our local young people.
The audience were then treated to the rapid skills of the Calderdale Percussion Ensemble as feet were tapping along to the energetic beat. The Calderdale Youth Jazz Orchestra then brought the first half to a finish, displaying their brilliant improvisation skills.
The second half proved to be just as thrilling, with performances from two bands from the Calderdale Rock Schools, Iron Lotus and Long Sleeves for summer. The audience were blown away by a selection of popular songs which encouraged audience participation.
Calderdale in Harmony, a choir which consisted of the Music Hub Choir, Boyz Aloud and several local schools showed that it wasn’t just the older students with talent and the entertainment factor. In contrast the Square Chapel choir, more commonly known as ‘Cube’, sang several songs in beautiful harmony, proving that it wasnt just the children who were stars of the show.
The evening came to a finale with the collaboration of musicians and vocalists bringing a fantastic night to a close. For those unfortunate people who missed this event, this concert is one of others planned for the newly formed Calderdale Music Hub.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Megan Swift, said:
“It’s great that the Calderdale Music Hub concert was such a success. It was a perfect way to celebrate the launch of the Hub, and showcased an evening of exceptional talent in Calderdale.”
Simon Barnes, conductor of Calderdale Youth Wind band and tutor at the Hub, said:
“The concert was a wonderful opportunity for young people to perform and show off the wealth of young talent in Calderdale.”
Not only was the concert a deserving success for the enthusiastic work of the music tutors but parents were also thrilled with performances given by their children, allowing them to celebrate their hard work over the last year.
Emma Priestly, parent of a student at the Calderdale Music Hub said:
“Calderdale Music Hub has given many fantastic opportunities for my son to be a part of and has opened many doors, also allowing him to make new friends. The concert at the Victoria Theatre was just one example of the amazing events all the young people have been a part of.”
The concert gave students of the Hub an opportunity to listen to music performed by their peers of a variety of ages. Laurie Moss, student at the Calderdale Music Hub said;
“I think events like these are great as it’s a fantastic opportunity to hear different styles of music and is especially good for young children who may have never heard these genres before.”
The Calderdale Music Hub would like to thank everyone who was involved in the concert and in making it a brilliant success. The Hub now looks forward to hosting more concerts like this one in the future, encouraging more children of all ages to make music!
Heidi Bates, ExPRESSion