Hull youngsters could be just days away from taking their first step on a musical journey of a lifetime – potentially following in the footsteps of one of the city’s most successful musicians who has had a glittering career, performing alongside the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Olly Murs.
Hull Music Service is hosting a completely free event this Saturday (4th February) to give children of any age their first taste of playing an instrument and it is hoped the experience will encourage them to follow in his footsteps.
Paul Burton learned to play trombone during his time at the Albermarle Music Centre-based service and has gone on to perform alongside some of music’s biggest names and at the world’s biggest festivals.
Paul, who was brought up in west Hull, was a member of several of the centre’s bands when growing up and attributes much of his career in music to these humble beginnings.
Paul said: “This was the start of my whole music journey. It gave me a chance to meet and play with new people and play different styles of music.
“I was in the orchestra, wind band and jazz orchestra. This gave me the insight to discover what I wanted to do. I used to love going on the music tours. I remember going to Spain and the shows we did were amazing. We also played at Hull City Hall and that was an amazing experience developing and meeting people from different schools was a really big thing for me.”
After studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, he moved to London in 2011 and founded the ‘Hot City Horns’, first touring with Olly Murs but later with a host of other star names.
Paul has also performed alongside Kyle Minogue, Stormzy, Jess Glynne, Emeli Sande and Madness, and at festivals including Glastonbury and Lollapalooza.
In 2018, Hot City Horns became the first live horns to join Sir Paul McCartney’s touring band since he toured with Wings in the 1970s. Kicking off with a surprise show at New York’s Grand Central Station, the tour saw them performing iconic songs such as Hey Jude, Lady Madonna and Live and Let Die across the globe, including performances at the LA Dodger Stadium, Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field and a headline slot at Austin City Limits.
Now, Paul is hoping Hull’s young people make the first move in potentially following his lead.
Hull Music Service, lead partner for Hull and NE Lincs Music hubs, has teamed up with Yamaha to give children a rare opportunity to try their hand at a wide range of instruments – all free of charge.
MusicHull! A Music Open Day has been chosen as just one of three events nationally to benefit from Yamaha’s support. On the day, they can try their hand at brass, woodwind, percussion and even DJ equipment under the guidance of experts from professional performers.
The programme of free workshops and performances will take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 4th February, and will begin with a live performance by the Royal Marines Band outside the Albemarle Music Centre, as well as trumpeter Louis Dowdeswell and saxophonist Ellie Sax.
All children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
