Gannett grant for youth orchestra (From Warrington Guardian)

Gannett grant for youth orchestra

8:00am Saturday 26th January 2013 in News

THE sound of new instruments is music to the ears of an orchestral group who can now nurture a new generation of musical talent thanks to funding.

Warrington and District Youth Orchestra now plans to run beginners classes to help youngsters interested in learning a new skill after picking up £5,920 from the Gannett Grant fund.

Peris Roberts, treasurer of the orchestra, said: “We have for many years had beginner string classes in the violin and cello but have never had anything for brass and woodwind instruments.

“These are more expensive instruments and that funding allows us to pay for them.

“We have about 120 members of the orchestra and they are from ages six to sixth formers and the beginners group has always been a good source of new talent coming through and giving members the chance to play an instrument.”

The orchestra has been handed the funding from the Gannett Grant, which is the charitable arm of the Warrington Guardian’s parent company Gannett who own Newsquest.

And it will mean the orchestra can expand its reach with a senior orchestra, middle orchestra and a junior group and a new concert group focusing on brass and more traditional concert music.

“We normally focus on classical music and it’s hard to attract some musicians,” added Mr Roberts.

“With plans to start up a concert band we think that will give children the opportunity to learn a new instrument for the first time.

“We started the beginners string group because we needed new blood in the string section.

“We also want to get people from a broader section of the community involved in the orchestra.

“People don’t have to buy an expensive instrument before they learn and get involved.”

The orchestra meets at 9.30am on Saturday mornings during term time at Bridgewater High School, on Broomfields Road, Appleton.

To find out more visit warringtonyouthorchestra.org.uk or call 0300 0300996.