Evening with the top brass

The Hammonds Saltaire Band, which plays in the top ranking Championship section and is a firm favourite in Batley, has taken over the organisation of a failing youth band and aims to restore enthusiasm for brass band music among youngsters.

Publicity officer Ted Griffiths of Birstall said the Sellars Youth Band, which practises in the same building as Hammonds, had been finding it difficult to recruit young players in recent times.

“We felt we could help so we have adopted the band and are now appealing to youngsters who play, or who would like to learn how to play, brass band instruments to get in touch with us. We have the skills and the instruments they might like to use.”

Hammonds Saltaire band’s latest CD The Sorcerer’s Apprentice will be on sale at the town hall concert on Saturday which starts at 7.15pm.

Conductor Morgan Griffiths, of Gomersal, said the recording shows the band’s ability as well as the wide variety of sounds possible with an ensemble of such quality.

The music evokes pictures of numerous countries from America to Russia, England to Argentina and Ireland to Germany.

Tickets for the Batley concert, costing £10 or £8 for concessions, can be obtained in advance from the town hall on 01924 324501 or from Mr Griffiths on 01924 478933.