From Royston to Uganda: music rules!

Creative Royston has helped make Christmas come early for two sets of children separated by two continents and more than 4000 miles.

On 13 December around thirty budding young musicians will be exhibiting their musical talents in Royston thanks to an initiative launched at this year's Royston Arts Festival.

The First Access initiative was set up by Hertfordshire Music Service in order to give every Year 4 pupil the chance to learn a woodwind or brass instrument for free on a Saturday morning from scratch.
Uniquely for this type of programme, the students were given the chance to borrow their chosen instrument and have been playing as an ensemble from the very beginning.

The band is run under the watchful eyes of Sue Pettitt and Ben Bouzan and the students also have a choir session led by Suzi Bowden.

Sue Pettitt, Head of Royston Music School, said, 'To date the group has 30 members and is making tremendous progress.'

Creative Royston is providing funding for the hire of the venue for the band's first concert which takes place on 13 December, 10.30am-12noon at Meridian School. Entry is free.

Sue Pettitt commented, 'Everyone's very welcome to come along and support these youngsters at the start of their musical journey.'

Another special concert will take place a week later in Uganda thanks to more than £800 raised at an event featuring Alison Balsom, the internationally acclaimed trumpeter, during Royston Arts Festival 2014.

The money was donated to 'Brass for Africa', a charity that sets out to transform young lives and communities in the poorest areas of Africa through music and learning.

Jim Trott, Brass for Africa director, said, 'We have hired a venue and will have over 200 of our children performing a Christmas concert, these are kids from the 3 orphanages and the rehabilitation centre where we have music tuition. This will be a chance for our young musicians to showcase their talents and hard work to the local community and dignitaries - followed by a party for the children which will include a special Christmas meal and dancing! The funds also cover a Brass for Africa band T-shirt which they will wear with pride.'

He continued, 'Creative Royston's support is making a tangible and real difference to the lives of these children.'

For more details about Brass for Africa visit www.BrassforAfrica.com Find out more about Creative Royston at www.CreativeRoyston.org

For more information visit http://youtu.be/WUTNWY47XGY