Garry Walls and the brass band at Fox Hill Primary School
A primary school in Bradford is determined to keep their award-winning brass band despite having no budget for it.
Fox Hill Primary School play in brass band concerts but are struggling to keep their extracurricular activities going.
The school are appealing for funding to continue the band.
Music teacher Gary Walls says: “I’m hoping to get even more children playing. What I really like to see is some the children going on as adults and teaching themselves.
“I’ve got students who are now piano teachers in Leeds and Huddersfield.
“Some are joining bands and playing in pop rock bands”
Transport to concerts due to low funding
The headteacher, Sally Hey, is determined to save the brass band.
She says: “The music is a big part of what we do.
“For me, the wider curriculum is as important as the core subjects, because it impacts on the children’s achievements across all subjects.
“If we lose the band because we can’t afford it, then children can learn instruments but can’t perform – that’s nonsense.”
The pupils have had success in playing their music. In March, the band won its section at Harrogate Competitive Festival.
Black Dyke Band, one of the world’s best known brass bands, shared a stage with the school band in Huddersfield last year.
The school is appealing for funding or scholarships to continue their enjoyment and their successes.