Members of a junior school’s brass band are rehearsing proudly for arguably their biggest concert yet to honour the band’s founder on its 50th anniversary.
The concert, due to be held on June 16 in Consett and Blackhill Park, will celebrate not only the anniversary but also much-loved founder David Jackson who sadly passed away in April 2021 from cancer.
Mr Jackson, described as a “pillar of the community” taught thousands of children music through the Consett Junior School brass band he started in 1973, as well as in his teaching career spanning more than 25 years.
Read more: Community mourns Consett teacher David Jackson
Rebecca Waters, deputy headteacher at Consett Junior School and the junior band leader said the children are “proud” to carry on Mr Jackson’s legacy.
“David started the band because he wanted all children to be able to play instruments and have the accessibility for that and have a love for music," she said.
“He was just amazing. All for the kids and absolutely fantastic. We’re just now trying to ensure that it continues.”
The 50 children in the junior brass band will join players from White River Brass in the special event, that will see the children performing up to ten pieces of music.
Brett Baker, who has been leading the band in workshops for the event, told of the “time and effort” Mr Jackson put into the established band.
He said: “David, for the past 40-odd years put in so much effort to encourage kids to take up instruments and make sure the instruments are good enough to play.
“He is and was a very special person… this is where is home was and this is what he liked doing.”
Mr Jackson’s efforts also included setting up the community Consett Concert Brass Band that allowed players to continue playing their instruments after they left school.
Mr Baker added that Mr Jackson and his legacy emphasises the importance of a musical education in schools, that teaches children “essential” life skills.
Read more: Memorial plaque in honour of Consett teacher David Jackson
He said: “I would say there are unique skills you get from music in terms of working as a team, awareness, rhythmic awareness, ability to turn up and be professional and do things on time, work with other people.
“You can’t get those skills at an early age working in any other discipline.”
Mr Jackson’s wife Lorraine, who still plays in the adult band, said that she is “delighted” to see her husband’s legacy continue.
She said: “He wasn’t the kind of person who made a lot of himself… he was all about the kids, and all about the music. He was so happy the band continued and it was a huge part of his life.
“Thousands of people in the town were given the opportunity to play brass because of David.
“He did get recognition, but that’s not why he did it. He was just about giving children and adults the opportunity to play.”
Two young members of the band, Mason and Isla, said they are “really excited” to be able to play at the concert in June.
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The two ten-year-old members, who play the cornet and tenor horn, both admitted they will continue playing when they move to secondary school.
Mason said: “I like to play music because it really helps me calm down.”
Now, with under two months to go until the concert, preparations are well underway to commemorate the anniversary of the band, but the man who created a legacy spanning generations.
Whilst Mr Jackson may no longer be here to lead the band, his love for music lives on through the people of Consett and its brass community.
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