On Saturday 11th March, students from the Pontefract and Ossett Senior Wind Bands were given the exciting chance to experience performing with the 'Yorkshire Volunteers' millitary band. An afternoon rehearsal, led by Major Jack Bowden, was followed by an early evening concert, which featured some challenging items on the programme. These included a march adaptation of The Beatles' hit 'Michelle', 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' and 'Puttin' on the Ritz.'
The concert was started in spectacular style as the lights went out and the Yorkshire Volunteers' Black Light Drummers struck up a dramatic, rhythmic opening. Apart from the Massed Bands, the concert also featured accomplished performances from the Manygates Woodwind ensemble, lef by Howard Marsh and the Ossett String Orchestra, directed by Kirsty Rhodes.
The Yorkshire Volunteers were the regimental band of the Leeds Rifles until the regiment was abolished in the Strategic Defence Review of 1998. However, the band decided to continue as a civilian band and are determined to proudly carry forward the memory and name of the regiment into the future. Head of Ossett Music Centre, Amanda Spalding, made this comment about the day, "This presented a unique and exciting opportunity for our young musicians to work alongside the experienced and talented players of the Yorkshire Volunteers." The students taking part gained some valuable experience during the course of the day and it is to be hoped that there will be many more such opportunities in the future.
LM
