Last Monday, a class of mixed Year 5 and 6 pupils from Horbury Bridge School travelled down to Birmingham to perform at the world-famous Symphony Hall in the National Festival of Music for Youth. Over the course of this year, the group have been learning to play Samba drums by WMS Teacher Lee Muncaster as part of the Wider Opportunities programme. Having performed in the regional heats, the school had been very excited to learn that they had got through to perform at the National Festival.

Having had a final rehearsal on the morning of the performance and an early lunch, the coach set off from Horbury Bridge at midday. Over the previous week, staff and children at the school had been very busy designing and making clothes for the event and they certainly looked the part in tie-dyed t-shirts, green trousers and yellow skirts.

Although the weather was showery, spirits weren't in any way dampened and the class produced a stunning performance of 2 pieces written for the occasion by teacher Lee Muncaster, 'Nos Amomos o Ritmo' which includes a short sung chorus in the middle section and 'Rumble in the Jungle' Samba Reggae which involves the class performing a short section on jungle instruments!

Following the indoor performance, the group were booked to play on the outdoor stage in Chamberlain Square. Unfortunately, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and the class had to take a short break while they waited for the rain to pass. However, the shower didn't last for long and the group were soon playing on the sandy beach-front which had been set up in Birmingham Town Centre! In spite of the inclement weather, the Samba Band were thoroughly enjoyed by shoppers and workers in the Town Centre, many of whom stopped to listen and even dance along!

Finally, after tea in MacDonalds, the group returned to the Symphony Hall for the feedback session. Praised for their enthusiastic performance by the Music Mentors at the festival, the tired but happy performers returned to Wakefield having had a fantastic and memorable day to look back on for many years to come.