Children from Willows Primary School, Lichfield, are busy learning to play the trumpet ahead of a performance with the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band in Lichfield Cathedral, at this summer’s Lichfield Festival. Twenty Year 5 pupils are receiving free tuition and free instruments, thanks to Lichfield Festival’s Aspire! learning and participation programme, which has partnered with Entrust Music Service Staffordshire, Warwick Music Group – manufacturers of the colourful pCornets and pTrumpets – and Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
Classroom sessions are well underway as the young learners prepare for their high profile Lichfield Cathedral concert on Saturday 8 July. They will join the leading brass band for ‘A Grimethorpe Adventure’ in front of an expected audience of 750 people.
The children are receiving expert tuition from Entrust Music Service brass tutor Mark Glover who has, himself, recently been appointed as a solo euphonium player with Grimethorpe.
Aaina, aged 10 from Willows Primary School, says: “I have never learned a musical instrument before. It is quite hard but definitely worth it! It is even better than I expected or hoped it to be.”
9-year-old Mace adds: "I am finding the trumpet lessons very engaging and interesting, and I am learning how to read music." Grimethorpe Colliery Band are one of the UK’s top brass bands having won the National and British Open Championships on numerous occasions and received a BAFTA nomination for their starring role in the global hit movie Brassed Off.
“Lichfield Festival is thrilled to be spearheading such an exciting musical initiative and it’s testament to the commitment of Willows Primary School, Entrust Music Service Staffordshire, Warwick Music Group and, of course, Grimethorpe Colliery Band who are sharing their passion and knowledge of brass band music with the children,” says Caroline King, Head of Development at Lichfield Festival.
“By removing any financial barriers, we’re increasing access to the arts – that’s life-changing, as the benefits of learning to play an instrument go hand in hand with confidence, creativity and educational attainment.” Adam McCulloch, Warwick Music Group, said: “Warwick Music Group are delighted to play a part in the 2023 Lichfield Festival.
“Our instruments were designed to unlock the musical potential in learners and enable children to discover a passion for making music, so this is a project we are proud to support. We can’t wait to hear the results at Lichfield Cathedral!”
The project has been made possible by the invaluable support of Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust, K. B. Jackson & Son (Midlands) Ltd, and Essington Park Limited. Lichfield Festival, which takes place between 6-16 July, hopes that with additional funding the timescale and impact of the project can be extended.
A Grimethorpe Adventure is at Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 8 July.
