Southampton Youth Wind Band invited to perform at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on 5 July 2024

Southampton Music Hub’s senior wind band, Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) have been invited to perform at the prestigious Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Friday 5 July 2024.

SYWB have been selected following their performance for the regional Music for Youth Festivals. The band submitted a digital entry performing; Fanfare for The 3rd Planet & Wall of Sound.

Music for Youth mentor Andy Grappy commented on the band’s performance that SYWB play with, “Excitement in your performing” and that, “You play with enthusiasm!”, adding, “You perform with great confidence”. The band’s performance can be viewed below.

Following the regional festivals around the country, a few high caliber performers have been selected to participate in the National Festival, SYWB are thrilled to have been one of those. SYWB percussionist, Reuben, 17, said about this opportunity:

“I’m really excited to perform at such an amazing venue, I know we’ll sound amazing in Symphony Hall. I’m also really looking forward to hearing other groups from around the country.”

The band will now be rehearsing hard to give their very best performance possible. SYWB Musical Director, John Hanchett, spoke about representing Southampton:

“We are so pleased to be celebrating the fantastic work of Southampton Music Service on this national occasion. The band would simply not be able to perform to the standard we do if it wasn’t for the incredible team of teachers and support staff that deliver brilliant music education to schools and colleges across the city. Southampton should be really proud and celebrate the achievement of SYWB!”.

Zoe Hunting, Ensemble Manager, Southampton Music Services:

“The Southampton Music Services are incredibly proud of what SYWB have achieved. The result is very well deserved after all the hard work of every player and director John Hanchett and assistant director Kevin Withell. We wish them all the very best for 5 July which is going to be such an amazing experience for all.”

We wish SYWB all the best, we know you’ll be brilliant!

You can watch SYWB in concert locally when they present their Summer Celebration Concert at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church on Saturday 6th July.