Conductor Louise on song as she collects top award
A WOMAN who has helped youngsters discover music for more than 40 years has hit a winning note herself.
Louise Renshaw, musical director at Macclesfield Youth Brass Band, was named conductor of the year at the Brass Bands England Conference.
It is a fitting reward for more than four decades of volunteering as she has also conducted for Poynton Youth Brass Band and South East Cheshire Youth Band.
The group meets at Fallibroome Academy on Friday evenings, where her win was celebrated with cupcakes.
Louise said: “This is amazing news. I’m really thrilled to bring much deserved recognition to Macclesfield Youth Brass Band.
“We have had a terrific twelve months, from achieving third place in the National Youth Band Championships, winning the Tameside Whit Friday Youth Contest, receiving a Mayor’s Civic Award and now a national award.
“Creating a successful band is a huge team effort and we have always had the most fantastic volunteers. We also have brilliant young people who stay with us for many years.
“They will tell you that music can be life changing.”
The awards took place at the University of Huddersfield and were supported by the Brass Band Conductors’ Association (BBCA).
Louise, who lives in Macclesfield and runs the Classworx uniform shop, was presented with her accolade by BBCA chair James Holt.
She founded Macclesfield Youth Brass Band
in 2005 as a registered charity where youngsters aged seven to 18 can learn brass or percussion at an affordable cost.
Members pay £5 per month for the loan of an instrument, tuition and to play.
James said: “As you can imagine the nominations were of a very high calibre but our congratulations go to Louise who was the most deserved and worthy winner.”
Members of Macclesfield Youth Brass Band will next perform at their Christmas concert at Fallibroome Academy on Saturday, December 16. For more information contact joinus@mybb.org.uk.