Macclesfield’s ‘Zombie’ Band Wins The Brass Factor
Macclesfield Youth Brass Band were crowned the new Brass Factor champions on their debut performance at the Brass Factor entertainment competition held at the Picturedrome in Holmfirth last Saturday (28th October).
They scared off strong competition with their Halloween themed programme featuring a 32 member Zombie band, led by Musical Director Morticia Addams and Uncle Fester as the compere!
Not only did the band win the overall first prize, they also won the trophy for the Audience Vote and Best Soloist, thanks to a brilliant performance by 14-year-old Alex Walton on xylophone.
The competition is based on the X Factor format with each band giving a 20 minute performance and then facing feedback from the panel of four judges.
One judge said:
“I can see why 120 young people turn up to play in this band every Friday night, it’s so much fun. All power to Macclesfield Youth Band, every town should have this.”
Commenting on Alex’s performance, another judge said.
“Wow, he is such a talented young player with a great future, what a star.”
Musical Director Louise Renshaw said:
“This was a great night for the youth band, competing against some notable adult bands, this was our best competition result to date. We had worked really hard to include a lot of drama and fun in our set and the audience reaction was amazing. The players were fantastic, totally getting into the spirit of it.”
The band’s next performance is a Remembrance concert at St Michaels Church, Macclesfield on Saturday 11th November organised by Macclesfield Castle Rotary Club.
Macclesfield Youth Brass Band has three bands and a drum corps catering for local young musicians aged 7 to 18 years. They rehearse every Friday evening at the Fallibroome Academy. For more information visit mybb.org.uk.
Photos: Please credit Photography By Rachael.