Jazz drummer’s memory inspires future musicians
AJAZZ drummer who tragically died aged 20 has left a lasting legacy to inspire other musicians.
Matthew Densfield, from Helmshore, began his BA Hons degree in Modern Jazz at Leeds College of Music in September 2016 and was looking forward to becoming a professional musician and composer.
Matthew, who had DiGeorge Syndrome, had a fifth heart operation in March 2017, just three days after he had celebrated his birthday at the Manchester Royal Infirmary surrounded by his flatmates. Unfortunately, there were complications and he died seven days later.
The former Haslingden High School student, who would have been 21 on Sunday, March 18, will be remembered at a celebration concert at the Sixth Form Centre on Saturday, April 14 at 7.30pm.
The concert will raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides accommodation for families whose relatives are in hospital. Since his passing, Matthew’s family, friends and musicians have raised £5,674, which has funded a room at the hospital’s Ronald McDonald house.
The door has a plaque bearing his name with a picture of a drum and drumsticks. ●● Matthew Densfield
At Leeds College of Music there is a plaque remembering Matthew, which describes him as an ‘inspiration to others’.
Trophies in his name are now presented at Rochdale Festival of Performing Arts and at his former school.
These lasting tributes are a great source of comfort for his parents David and Susan and sister Holly, 17, of Cherry Tree Way, Helmshore.
Susan said: “We have had a lot of support from family and friends who have been with us throughout his life.
“Having these legacies keeps Matthew’s memory alive for us and has helped us to cope with what has happened. He was always such a positive and inspirational person.”
Aged 14, Matthew passed with distinction his Grade 8 practical music exam and he won a Robert Lewin Scholarship, which paid for professional drumming lessons.
Susan said: “His dad is a drummer and Matthew had his first go at playing the drums at 18 months and his own proper drum kit at three. He played his first gig aged four. He had modern jazz drumsticks imported from America because they were the best for playing his style of music.”
The syndrome affected Matthew’s ability to learn in a variety of ways, but Susan praised the help he received at Haslingden High School.
An ‘Inspirational Garden’ outside the school’s Learning Support Unit is being created at Easter featuring a piano path, a bench with a stave, notes and treble clef, a bass drum birdbath and other instruments made into garden furniture. ●● Annual Rotary club technology tournament at the Hollins Technology College. Winners in foundation section. From left: Ben Wilson, Joshua Basford, Brandon Wallace and Leo Brown of Haslingden High School ●● Advanced winners, from left: Xander Davidson, Aron Wilson, Lauren Sumner and Samuel Ainsworth (Haslingden High School)