Two sixth form pupils from a Derbyshire school played to their strengths – organising a musical spectacular all in aid of a worthy cause.
Head girl, Caroline Oliver, and deputy head girl Laura Burkinshaw, both 18, of Mount St Mary’s College in Spinkhill were full of brass as they raised hundreds of pounds for “Help for Heroes” by hosting the tuneful event with a retro theme!
Headlining at the ‘Northerners Night’ was The Brass Players, who have performed for royalty, appeared on worldwide hit records and award winning feature films, toured all five continents and starred on almost every popular UK television and radio station.
Supporting the musical celebrities was the talented school brass band, which performed for the audience of music lovers, parents and charity supporters who thoroughly enjoyed their rendition of “Jupiter” from Holst’s Planets Suite.
The audience also got the opportunity to win prizes in a game of bingo, take part in a raffle and also enjoy a pie and peas supper – in keeping with the theme.
The event, held in the school theatre, raised over £500 which was added to the £200 collected by past and present school musicians performing Christmas carols to nearby residents in December.
Caroline Oliver, who has an army scholarship to attend Sandhurst, said: “It was a fantastic event and great to see all of our work pay off. I’m really pleased we were able to raise so much money for a charity which is close to many hearts at the Mount.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped make it such a success and a massive thank you goes out to The Brass Players for putting on such a brilliant show.”
Helen McKell, teacher of English at the school, said: “We were delighted that Caroline and Laura showed the initiative to organise such a memorable event. The music was excellent and everyone who attended enjoyed the evening immensely.”