THEY may still only be at school but youngsters at Smithills School have visited places and had more experiences than most will have in a lifetime.

From touring America to taking to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall, one of the world’s premiere venues to impressing Howard Goodall an EMMY, BRIT and BAFTA award-winning composer .

Their experiences are as result of their love of music and being part of the world famous Smithills Brass Band.

Some are members because they want a career in the music industry — award winning composer and conductor Ben Ellin is a former pupil — others simply because they enjoy it.

This week, James Watson from Bury made the headlines encouraging young people to learn to sing or play an instrument because of the positive impact it can have.

He credits his passion for music with keeping engaged in education and is inspiring others to take up an instrument as part of his Music Opportunities campaign.

Chris Wormald, the musical director and assistant headteacher at Smithills School, said he has known the positive effects it has on young people since qualifying as a teacher — because it gave him a new purpose, and not just the typical childhood dreams to be a footballer or astronaut.

Since starting as a teacher he has worked to make music accessible to all — and not just for those who can afford it.

Some of his star musicians had never picked up a musical instrument before starting in year seven, others even later.

And he has seen children’s lives transformed through becoming acclaimed figures in the world of music, raising academic standards, and developing life skills.

Mr Wormald said: “Eighty per cent of the school’s high achievers are musicians and members of the band— these musicians are making 10,000 decisions as they play a musical instrument , while they a are enjoying it and having a laugh.

“There cerebral development is way up there.”

He said music helped develop young people’s time management skills, time keeping and confidence.

“These pupils have been performing with all eyes on them — they will have no problem getting up doing a presentation at work,” said Mr Wormald.

Former pupil Declan Cullen, aged 19, is studying music at Huddersfield University and says music helped him to aspire academically.

He said: “Music has given me experiences and skills — music is about history, maths and science.

“Learning an instrument makes you push yourself to do better.”

The band is a mix of all ages, with older pupils acting as role models and an inspiration to others.

Cornet player Phoebe Matthews, aged 16, said : "I always push myself to get better now.

"It's a great way of meeting people, making new friends.

"The first time I played a solo it was terrifying but I was so proud when I came of stage"

Emma smith aged 15, who plays the trombone said: "Music has given us opportunities such as going to America, and it develops your focus and concentration.

"Music is way if communicating without talking."