SINGERS at a massed choir event in Huddersfield will be accompanied by one of West Yorkshire’s leading brass bands.
Marsden Concert Brass has been invited to participate in The Big Sing Yorkshire, a celebration of Yorkshire music, which will take place in St George’s Square in town on Saturday May 21.
The event forms part of the Yorkshire celebrations for the 20th year of Adult Learners’ Week, the national campaign for adult learning.
Hundreds of singers are set to converge on St George’s Square reviving a 200-year-old Yorkshire tradition for coming together and singing in open spaces.
Open to absolutely anyone who wants to join in, the singers will be accompanied by Marsden Concert Brass in a series of Yorkshire themed songs including On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at, ‘Jerusalem’ and a brand new Yorkshire anthem being commissioned from celebrated Barnsley poet and songwriter Ian MacMillan.
Marsden Concert Brass was formed in summer 2010 and is part of the Marsden Musical Institute. The village of Marsden has had a brass band since 1889 and over the years the Marsden Silver Prize band has become very successful and competes in the Championship section alongside many of the famous Yorkshire bands.
Marsden Concert Brass was created to provide intermediate level members with an opportunity to progress within the Institute alongside experienced players who have ‘retired’ from the silver band.
James Beattie, organiser of the Yorkshire Big Sing, said: “I am particularly pleased to have the Marsden Concert Brass on board, a band which exists to allow junior players to play alongside prize-winning players at the top of their game.
“It is very much in the spirit of this event which sees experienced singers and singing groups giving confidence to and singing alongside complete beginners.”
Phillip Lamb, secretary of the Marsden Concert Brass, added: “On behalf of the band I can say that Marsden Concert Brass is extremely excited to be involved with and participating in the Big Sing. We hope that it is the massive event it should be and that it will show two real Yorkshire passions, choirs and brass bands.”
Big Sing Yorkshire forms part of the celebrations for the 20th year of the Adult Learners’ Week coordinated by Involve Yorkshire & Humber.
The organisation has been chosen to manage the various Adult Learners’ Week celebrations including an Awards ceremony, learning taster sessions and a celebration event.
Groups are invited to take part in the Big Sing as well as individuals. For more information or to sign up, please visit www.bigsingyorkshire.org.uk
Adult Learners’ Week is England’s largest festival of learning, celebrating all kinds of learning – whether it leads to a qualification or is just for fun.
