More than 40 students, staff and former pupils are making music together every week at Whitworth Community High School, as the school’s wind band grows from strength to strength.
A passion for performance is echoing through the halls of Whitworth Community High School, where a thriving wind band now boasts over 40 musicians, including teachers, former students and even the headteacher.
The band, which has been a long-standing fixture at the school, has grown significantly in recent years. Director of Learning for Creativity Mrs Goff said she first joined the school 21 years ago, when the band was much smaller.
“It has gone in waves ever since and at the moment we are on the crest of one,” she said. “We have the Head of English, a Science teacher, two music teachers, an Assistant Headteacher and the Headteacher all playing alongside former staff and students.”
The school assembly on Thursday 19 June was a clear example of that spirit. Just one day after completing their final GCSE exam, five Year 11 leavers returned to perform with the wind band.
Student Josh Dews, who plays the tuba and is set to attend Rochdale Sixth Form College in September, was among them. He joined the band in Year 8 after being invited to a taster session by Mrs Goff, and later also became a member of the 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band.
“I love it and have always played tuba,” he said.
The band plays an eclectic mix of music, from classical compositions to film scores and pop medleys. Rehearsals begin at 8.30am every Thursday, with a training band for beginners followed by a full wind band session featuring brass, woodwind and percussion instruments, including cornet, trombone, tuba, tenor horn, flute, clarinet and saxophone.
Students are also involved in community music beyond school, playing with local ensembles such as Whitworth Vale and Healey, Stacksteads and Milnrow Brass Bands, and Rochdale Music Centre.
To inspire students, Mrs Goff regularly organises trips to see the world-famous Black Dyke Band perform, a connection made more special as a former Whitworth brass teacher now plays for them.
The wind band performs at a range of events throughout the year, including the Rochdale Music Showcase at the Curtain Theatre, Whitworth’s annual awards evening, and seasonal school concerts.
The band recently added 25 new music stand banners, with local parents helping to sew them after a Rochdale company provided the embroidery.
Mrs Goff said: “We own some of the instruments and hire others, and all our students can take them home to practise. It would be great if someone wanted to sponsor our band.
“If a community group is hosting a local event and would like our band to play, we would be delighted to support.”
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