Young drummer and Welsh musicians a cymbal of success at European band championships

A TALENTED young drummer was a cymbal of dedication and commitment in helping her country to the podium at an international music competition.

Maddie Johnston, a pupil at St Gerard’s School in Bangor, represented Wales at the European Youth Brass Band Championships (EYBBC), held in Palanga, Lithuania

The 14 year-old, from Brynsiencyn, Anglesey, was sponsored and supported by the school, whose headteacher Campbell Harrison said they were “incredibly proud” of Maddie’s achievements.

Mum Rosie, a teacher at St Gerard’s, added: “They were the youngest band in the championships and did amazingly well to finish third.

“All of the children were just awesome; they worked hard for months and had a mammoth journey to get there.

“They raised funds themselves – everything from parachute jumps to cake baking and bike rides – and performed brilliantly while also having fun and enjoying the experience.”

A member of Beaumaris Youth Band and Senior Band, Maddie switched from tenor horn to the percussion section last year and has never looked back.

Playing timpani and drums – and the xylophone in her spare time! – the Year 9 learner has also formed a rock band with some of her classmates under the watchful eye of “inspirational” music teacher, Ceri Lackenby.

She says travelling abroad and appearing with the band on the global stage is something she hopes to do again in the future.

“I have been performing for years and absolutely love it,” said Maddie.

“We work very hard, there are lots of practice sessions and it’s very fast-paced, but there is a fantastic togetherness and camaraderie among the group, which helps build confidence when appearing in major competitions like this one.

“To finish third was brilliant as we were the youngest and were up against university music undergraduates and conservatoire bands from 14 different nations, it was a real eye opener.”

She added: “I am so thankful to St Gerard’s School for their kind donation, which was really helpful, and hope other pupils will come and join me in the band, which is going from strength to strength and already looking ahead to the next European Championships in Norway.”

The EYBBC were part of the overall European Brass Band Championships, organised by Palangos Orkestras. The event saw bands from across Europe gather in a celebration of music-making and the most important and prestigious contest in the brass event calendar.

For more on St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.