TALENTED student musicians are excited to be performing alongside a world renowned military band this weekend.
Ulverston Victoria High School Wind Band is holding a joint concert with The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines at the Coronation Hall tonight.
The secondary school and sixth form has a unique partnership with arguably the finest military band in the world. They play annually alongside the UVHS Wind Band, which is internationally acclaimed in its own right.
A number of ex-UVHS students have gone on to become professional musicians with the band.
Royal Marine musician Ruth Wardle (nee Tarr) is a former UVHS student. She is the solo violinist for the Marines and she could not make it up to Ulverston last year to play as she was playing live at the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations for a TV performance.
This year she is the guest violin soloist for UVHS Wind Band's performance of the virtuoso piece, Schindler's List.
Other ex-students involved in the concert are Sergeant Andy Spain on the saxophone, Musician Rob Norrie on the trumpet and trainee musician Jodie Giles on the oboe. She will pass out in July to gain full musician rank after three years at the Royal Marines School of Music.
Richard Butler, head of performing arts at UVHS, said: "This is a brilliant and unique experience for our students, no other school has a link like this with the Royal Marines Band.
"The students are all very excited. It will be a totally unforgettable experience for them."
The Royal Marines Band will be giving a careers presentation at the Coronation Hall today from 12.30pm to 1.15pm.
Head of recruitment, WO2 Paul Farmer, will be delivering the presentation in the Supper Room for anyone interested not only in music in the Royal Marines, but also anyone interested in music careers in any of the Armed Forces.
Anyone is welcome to the event, The Royal Marines Band accept applications from 16- to 28-year-olds.
Interested musicians can also sign up for workexperience weeks that are put on by the Marines three times a year in Portsmouth.
Four Year 10 students from UVHS will taking part in work experience with the The Royal Marines Band during half term.
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