ONE of the world’s top 50 brass bands is performing at John Hanson Community School on 31 January alongside Test Valley Brass Youth Band.

South West Trains Woodfalls band, based near Salisbury, is in the brass band equivalent of the Champions’ League and regularly competes against other famous bands.

The two bands will each perform separate programmes with pieces drawing from popular music, traditional brass band compositions and their classical repertoire.

The bands will then join together for a dual performance to play several items as a massed band.

Steve Large, musical director of Test Valley Brass Youth Band, hopes his young players will learn from playing alongside a world class talent.

“I expect Woodfalls players to be an inspiration to our young people,” he said.

“Rehearsing with excellent players and sharing a stage with them will have a lasting impact on the teenagers in our band.

“They will learn from their technique, their attention to detail and their dedication to constant improvement.

“It will also demonstrate what can be achieved by aiming high and several SWT Woodfalls players are former Test Valley bandsmen and women.

“We always like to put on a show but SWT Woodfalls promise to make it an even more special evening.

“When it comes to the joint items, with over 50 musicians on stage, we will certainly blow away a few cobwebs.”

Tickets for the 7.30pm concert are available from 01264 324056.