Band’s capital performance
YOUNGSTERS TAKE TO THE STAGE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL IN LONDON
Youngsters in a Wearside youth band got the chance to play at one of the country’s most prestigious venues.
Houghton Area Youth Band took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of the Music for Youth Proms event.
The group performed at The Sage Gateshead in February as part of the Music for Youth regional series, and then the nationals at Birmingham Symphony Hall in the summer.
The band impressed judges so much they were one of only two established youth bands in the country to be chosen to play at the Royal Albert Hall.
Catherine Alderson, whose daughter Molly, 12, is part of the group, said the young people were overjoyed to have been able to experience playing at the venue.
“It was totally awe-inspiring, but they took it all in their stride,” said Catherine.
“Nothing fazed them and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“Obviously it was tiring for them having to travel down on the Sunday and come back on the Tuesday, but they acquitted them- selves very well and did us proud.”
Houghton Area Youth Band, which has more than 40 members, was formed in September 1973 for children aged between six and 18 years to meet on a weekly basis.
This year has been a memorable one for the band, achieving its best ever result at the 2016 Action Medical Research, fifth place at the Youth Entertainment Championships in Blackpool and first in entertainment and third overall.
Rehearsals for the band take place at Hetton Lyons Primary School each Saturday from 10am to noon.