OLDHAM Youth Brass Band has struck gold in its bid to prove they are one of the finest ensembles of their ilk.

The musical youngsters received one of only four top ‘Gold’ prizes that were awarded at the end of the day’s performances in the finals of the National Youth Brass Band Championships in Warwick after all 15 bands had performed.

The band, under conductor Jonathan Leedale, performed a programme which included the march ‘Glemdene’ and Gordon Langford’s ‘West Country Fantasy’ which the adjudicators summed up in their comments by saying: “Some great stuff here, a really enjoyable account. So much to admire and commend in an energetic programme”.

The response of the audience was also equally positive with comments on 4barsrest.com, the brass band online community forum, including: “Super dreamlike horn playing from Alice on her solo with Oldham – tasteful and evocative. So nicely done.”

Another said: “Oldham Music Centre…played with pulse that realigns the back bone. Gloriously pompous.”

Gerard Booth, director of music, said: “Following on from the Youth Wind Band’s Gold Award at the finals of the National Concert Band Festival earlier this month, this result is particularly welcome as it demonstrates the breadth of excellence achieved by Oldham’s exceptional young musicians.

“As ever, we are grateful to the schools, parents and young people themselves as well as the teachers whose unstinting commitment to quality music making have made this possible.”