On Monday, Northlands Primary School staff and students were treated to a pleasant interruption to their morning.

The Oompah Brass Band from London, England, entertained the school body. Also present were His Excellency, Governor George Fergusson; his wife Mrs Fergusson; Freddie Evans, acting commissioner of education; and Laverne Simons, assistant director of education.

All present were treated to popular tunes performed by the brass band, including ‘Rolling in the Deep’ by Adele, ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ by Michael Jackson and the crowd’s favourite, the theme song from ‘Star Wars’.

The Oompah Brass Band met at the Royal College of Music in London. The members of the band — Sam Pearce on French horn, Nathan Gash on tuba, Lucy Leleu and Toby Street on trumpet, and Patrick Johns on trombone — have been together for ten years.

They give workshops to children, introducing them to instruments in a fun way to bring about an appreciation to different types of music. The band performs 150 times a year at different events.

The band was in Bermuda for Oktoberfest in Dockyard. At the invitation of Mr Fergusson, they came to Northlands Primary School to share their talents.

All band members are educators. According to Mr Pearce: “We help to train the mind and work on motor skills.”

Lots of laughter and cheering was heard in the assembly hall. Students were introduced to the instruments with a demonstration and the trombone was the favourite of all. With Patrick playing the trombone with his foot, there was no way it was going to lose.

The tuba was also a hit, with P3 student Joshua trying to hold it up, with assistance.

Students from Northlands Primary’s Horizons Reporters Club commented on the event.

“Nathan was very funny as he told us about the songs. He was the leader of the group,” said Katiah Rogers.

“Nathan had lots of jokes for the students to laugh at,” stated Amaya Smith. “For example, he pulled the slider out of Patrick’s trombone while he was playing.”

Jamir Hatherley recalled: “I liked how they played the instruments and worked together.”

Governor Fergusson concluded: “I always wanted to play the tuba. Hopefully one day I’ll see you in a band.”