Halifax Courier reported that Jack Holmes was named Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year in the Community Music Programme category. Holmes learned of the award during an interview with Aled Jones, who described him as very inspirational and praised his work in Hebden Bridge.
Holmes, 26, was nominated by several of the children he teaches and their parents. He said teaching brings him joy and that watching students progress through early grade exams is very rewarding. The award includes a share of £20,000 for junior band equipment, whose instruments Holmes said are in poor condition, with some beyond repair.
Holmes recently accepted an appointment as musical director of Hebden Bridge Junior Band, an ensemble he joined at age seven on tenor horn. He later switched to bass trombone at 15 and has played with championship section band Hepworth for seven years. A former Calder High School pupil and Royal Northern College of Music student, Holmes has maintained ties with the junior band, returning to teach beginners and fill in as a player.
Band membership has declined from 40, with the pandemic and the 2015 flood having a serious impact. The band lost its bandroom along with much of its music and equipment during the Boxing Day floods of 2015. Junior band committee member Jeffrey Andrews said the children and parents are thrilled and proud, noting Holmes brings unique insight and ideas to help the band grow. Holmes will receive the award from Mylene Klass and Dan Walker at the Royal Albert Hall on October 12.
For more information, visit halifaxcourier.co.uk.