Dudley Performing Arts Wind Band performed on the last night at the Royal Albert Hall Schools Prom.
More than 60 children and young people performedBridges over the River Cam to the audience of 6,000 people in London on November 9.
The Advanced Wind Band is made up of youngsters aged 15 to 19 from all over Dudley borough and were supported by teachers and more than 100 parents.
The Schools Prom is the culmination of the National Festival of Music for Youth. The Advanced Wind Band initially performed at the regional festival at Netherton Arts Centre and was then invited to perform at the National Festival that took place in Symphony Hall in July, where it won an award. This was followed by an invitation to perform at the Schools Prom.
Young musicians who join this group have progressed through junior, intermediate and senior groups that are operated by the performing arts team. The group rehearses once a week during term time.
Councillor Liz Walker, cabinet member for children’s services, said:
“Dudley has a great tradition of achievement in the National Festival of Music for Youth. A number of orchestras and bands have taken part in various stages of the event, although this is the first group to be invited to perform at the Schools Prom for more than ten years.”
In the past two years Dudley Performing Arts students have gained places at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music as well as many other universities.
