A MILITARY band and school orchestra teamed up for a night of music to remember.

The Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) and the Derby High School Concert Band combined to produce a stunning display.

The Derby High School’s chair of governors, Colonel Eric Davidson, first expressed his desire for the two bands to play a concert together more than two years ago.

The evening at the school saw the two bands accompanied by pipers, standard bearers and uniformed soldiers from the Manchester branch of the Scots Guards Pipes and Drums.

Col Davidson, who is also the founder of the band and corps of drums, said: “It was a great moment for everyone – for the children and staff at the school but also for the older musicians.”

He said he believes it is important to keep the tradition of the former Lancashire Fusiliers XX and The Royal Regiment alive and to link them both to the school.

“Music is very, very important in a school,” added Col Davidson. “Not only is it now part of the curriculum for students, but it is also an extracurricular activity that can broaden their horizons by meeting other musicians. And by getting the children to play alongside the more experienced musicians from the band keeps the legacy of the Fusiliers alive.”

The school’s director of arts, Lynn Provoost, who is a former member of the Lancashire Fusiliers Band, said: “This was an extra special occasion. I felt enormous pride to be able to welcome the band and see them playing alongside our own music students.”

The show came to an end with the two bands combining to play Amazing Grace, 79th Farewell to Gibraltar and Highland Cathedral, leaving the crowd in no doubt that they had witnessed something very special.

James Holt, head of music at the Derby High School, said students had practised very hard in preparation for the concert and that they deserved their moment in the limelight. “It was an honour and a privilege to be able to work with such high calibre musicians,” added Mr Holt. They have inspired me and I know that they have inspired our pupils.”

Based at Castle Armoury in Bury, the Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) members serve in a voluntary capacity.

The band welcomes any musicians prepared to commit regularly to rehearsals, parades and events and who have a minimum of Grade 5 level ability.