Bands unite to blow fans away

Young wind musicians from Staffordshire and Sweden are set to show off their skills in a cross-cultural meeting of music set for Cannock.

Members of Staffordshire Youth Wind Orchestra will enjoy a special musical performance courtesy of their Swedish counterparts, the Kulmus Wind Band.

The show is set to demonstrate the differences in style between the two groups as they both take to the stage.

The Kulmus Wind Band, from Gothenburg, Sweden, incorporate elements of drama, dance and Scandinavian folk music into their musical performance and do not rely on sheet music.

Staffordshire County Council's performing arts team, which promotes and co-ordinates music and learning, has organised the event.

The Kulmus band is currently touring the Midlands and will give a special performance of their concert Pangaea at Cannock Chase High School tomorrow.

County councillor Maureen Compton, cabinet support member for culture and heritage, said: "The band is made up of 50 music students from Kulmus, a council-run music school in Gothenburg.

"The members, all aged between 13 and 20, will be performing at schools and other venues, as well as giving three public outdoor concerts at Chamberlain Square in Birmingham."

Staffordshire Youth Wind Orchestra and the Kulmus Wind Band will both perform at the Hednesford Road school at 7.30pm.