Heather visited John Port Spencer Academy in Etwall for a wind band concert given by John Port Spencer students along with students from the Melle Gymnasium in Germany. Melle is short distance from Osnabruck Derby’s twin town and Melle Gymnasium has been John Ports Spencer’s exchange school since 1972. The students from both schools been both attending lessons, and rehearsing for this concert, together for three days.
Heather Wheeler MP says: “I was really impressived, I was so proud of both bands – who performed so well together particularly given they had only had a few days rehearsing together. A very talented set of students. The sheer number of years that this exchange has been going, half a century, is a testament to the success of exchanges such as this. I am convinced they broaden everyone’s minds and opportunities.”
Mrs S Hodgson, Director of Teaching and Learning: Music at John Port Spencer Academy says: “Members of John Port Spencer Academy’s Senior Wind Band are excited to welcome back students and teachers from Melle Gymnasium, Germany after a two-year break. The exchange between the two schools started in 1972 and long-standing friendships have developed with former students returning from Wales and Scotland to participate in tonight’s joint concert.”
