The Blue Coat Jazz Band perform for Earl

Throughout 2017 the Bluecoat arts centre have been celebrating the building’s landmark 300th anniversary, bringing the building’s history to life with a series of special art exhibitions, heritage and music events and community projects.

As part of their anniversary programme, The Blue Coat School Jazz band were invited to the contemporary arts centre to welcome The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward during his visit in June.

The band, comprised of over twenty talented clarinettists, flutists, saxophonists, trumpeters and percussionists, from Year 7 to Year 13, greeted the Prince and the waiting public with an exuberant and confident performance of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

On his arrival Prince Edward spoke with students and the director of music Mr Simon Emery, with members of the band sharing their passion and enthusiasm for music and performing.

During the Prince’s tour of the Grade One listed building the band continued to perform, with their swinging sounds emanating out into the surrounding streets.

As the event drew to a close the spotlight also fell on three of their sixth form students, who shared their excitement of performing for royalty during a special television interview with Made in Liverpool.

Simon Emery said: “Prior to The Blue Coat School vacating its city centre location in 1906, the School Band would tour the city during the annual St George’s Day parade, as depicted in Richard Ansdell’s painting, Recollections of the Blue Coat Hospital, St George’s Day 1843.

“Therefore it seems particularly fitting that Blue Coat students should return to the site to once again fill its courtyard with of music”.