More than 220 gifted musicians, including children as young as seven, impressed local audiences at Rochdale Music Service's annual Summer Sizzler event, held at Middleton Arena. The young performers, supported by the service, showcased their talents in front of the Mayor of Rochdale, friends, and family.
Diverse Musical Performances
The event featured a wide range of instruments, including guitars, violins, flutes, trumpets, and trombones, playing in harmony. Participants performed a variety of music, from traditional rock to classical ensembles, across three separate concerts throughout the day. For some, it was their first live performance, playing in small bands and a mass orchestra alongside pupils from different schools in the borough.
Summer-Themed Music and Inclusivity
All music was summer-themed, with special arrangements allowing beginners to join more experienced performers. Rochdale Music Service's playful adaptation of 'The 12 Days of Christmas' was reworded as 'The 12 Days of Summer,' featuring items like six inflatable dolphins and five rubber rings.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The annual Summer Sizzler event is an amazing opportunity for our children and young people to be a part of as they perform on stage and develop their abilities as talented musicians. It brings people of all ages together to show off their fantastic skills, and it is a wonderful acknowledgement of the teaching they receive from the council’s very own Rochdale Music Service.”
Rochdale’s Musical Heritage
Massey noted the borough's rich musical history, including being the birthplace of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s debut single 'Electricity.' She encouraged anyone inspired to take up an instrument or singing to contact Rochdale Music Service.
Rochdale Music Service offers lessons in singing and instruments like drums, piano, and xylophone, as well as choirs, ensembles, and music theory classes. More information is available at www.rochdale.gov.uk/rochdale-music-service.
