We want to raise £800 to help send the Burton Borough School Concert Band to the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands in July 2017- an international competition held once every 4 years. The band have been lucky enough to attend the contest twice since 2009 and next years contest will be an amazing opportunity for the current students in the band to experience an international music competition competing against adults- not just other school bands.

To take part in the WMC the bands need £20,000- which will cover the contest entrance fees, travel and accommodation. The Friends of Burton Borough Bands are hoping to raise 50% of this and have already raised £6000- leaving £4000 to raise by April 2017.

The Burton Borough School Concert Band from Newport, Shropshire is made up of students aged 11-18. The Concert Band regularly compete in UK based music festivals and competitions, such as the National Concert Band Festival, where over the last 12 years they have won over 20 Gold and Platinum Awards.

The commitment shown by the students to the bands is inspiring. Not only do many of the students play in at least 2 of the schools bands and ensembles, they juggle rehearsals and concerts with their school work, other hobbies and part time jobs- often giving up weekends and time in holidays to rehearse or perform. They understand that in order to achieve they need to put in the work. However, they also make time to enjoy themselves, creating friendships and memories that last far longer than their time at the school.

The opportunity for the students to compete at an international contest and take part in the social aspect of a tour abroad is something that they will hopefully remember years to come.