Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette
It’s about time we gave some of our presenter their marching orders! In the literal sense of course – as we have a visit to the studio from Hayley Marr and Rob Clarke from the Essex Marching Corps.
The Essex Marching Corps are a youth marching band from Benfleet whose activities cover the whole of Essex. They were formed in 2003 and are now one of the UK’s most popular youth marching bands.
The band plays a large repertoire of music from military marches to recent pop, rock and even heavy metal.
Hayley and Rob came in to chat to Michelle Ward about how the group started, how they are funded and how they can provide musical opportunities to children in Essex.
Rob also attempted to teach Michelle the drums that day, so I was glad I was in the office with my noise-cancelling headphones on.
Youngsters can join from the age of 8, with or without experience. The corps provides all uniform and an instrument on hire free of charge so that youngsters have no barrier to participation.
You can hear Michelle’s interview again at www.phoenixfm.com and for more information about the Essex Marching Corps visit www.essexmarchingcorps.co.uk.
