"It's always an honour to be invited to play with the band and if the kids are inspired to go forward on their musical journey as a result, that really gives me great pleasure. Since I have been involved with the 51st state band it has never sounded as good as on Friday - it really has gone to the next level! This is testament to the years of continued hard work and dedication that you and Sheila have put in, and you should both be rightly proud."Patrick Clahar
"I went along to hear the 51st State Band play at Putney Arts Theatre. It's a band with lots of local schoolchildren, playing brass and wind instruments and they were really very impressive and worth going to hear at their next performance."
Justine Greening MP
“Congratulations on your outstanding achievement with the 51st State Band. A truly awesome sound produced by two very dedicated and inspiring directors.”
“If my eleven-year-old can do this, he can do anything!”
“Thank you for a truly magical evening. You put in so much time and effort and the children don’t let you down. ”
“Many congratulations on producing such a wonderful concert... I really wasn’t sure what to expect but I was overwhelmed by the whole event... I think these children are exceptionally fortunate to take part in a band of this calibre.”
“What a thrill to perform in a proper theatre!”
“Congratulations! Last night's concert was a triumph! Thank you for all that you did to ensure that the children performed so well and enjoyed their music so much! It was wonderful to see, and hear, such a large and appreciative audience and the sense of achievement that the children will have from performing so well and receiving so much applause will stay with them for a long time! It really was an excellent evening.”
— Tim Willets, Head of Curriculum, Professional, Governor and Leadership Development for London Borough of Wandsworth
"I wanted to write and tell you what a difference you have made to my son's life. In year 1 he was diagnosed with autism and at that point he was a very withdrawn boy with few friends and low self -confidence.
Due to music and your support he now believes he is good at something and enjoys playing so much. It has given him confidence to be able to make friends and join in. Band has been fantastic for that. As a parent with no music skills, it has been a venture into a new world and a godsend. You are doing fantastic work with the children and I really appreciate it."
"Emily had the most amazing night of her life and came home as high as a kite! She just loves to perform and is desperate to do more. The whole concert was so uplifting and inspirational (for all the family).
Thank you to you both for all you are doing for music in the borough."
To find out more about the 51st State Band, email Sahana Gero at info@51ststateband.org
Testimonials
"It's always an honour to be invited to play with the band and if the kids are inspired to go forward on their musical journey as a result, that really gives me great pleasure. Since I have been involved with the 51st state band it has never sounded as good as on Friday - it really has gone to the next level! This is testament to the years of continued hard work and dedication that you and Sheila have put in, and you should both be rightly proud." Patrick Clahar
"I went along to hear the 51st State Band play at Putney Arts Theatre. It's a band with lots of local schoolchildren, playing brass and wind instruments and they were really very impressive and worth going to hear at their next performance." Justine Greening MP
“Congratulations on your outstanding achievement with the 51st State Band. A truly awesome sound produced by two very dedicated and inspiring directors.”
“If my eleven-year-old can do this, he can do anything!”
“Thank you for a truly magical evening. You put in so much time and effort and the children don’t let you down. ”
“Many congratulations on producing such a wonderful concert... I really wasn’t sure what to expect but I was overwhelmed by the whole event... I think these children are exceptionally fortunate to take part in a band of this calibre.”
“What a thrill to perform in a proper theatre!”
“Congratulations! Last night's concert was a triumph! Thank you for all that you did to ensure that the children performed so well and enjoyed their music so much! It was wonderful to see, and hear, such a large and appreciative audience and the sense of achievement that the children will have from performing so well and receiving so much applause will stay with them for a long time! It really was an excellent evening.”
— Tim Willets, Head of Curriculum, Professional, Governor and Leadership Development for London Borough of Wandsworth
"I wanted to write and tell you what a difference you have made to my son's life. In year 1 he was diagnosed with autism and at that point he was a very withdrawn boy with few friends and low self -confidence. Due to music and your support he now believes he is good at something and enjoys playing so much. It has given him confidence to be able to make friends and join in. Band has been fantastic for that. As a parent with no music skills, it has been a venture into a new world and a godsend. You are doing fantastic work with the children and I really appreciate it."
"Emily had the most amazing night of her life and came home as high as a kite! She just loves to perform and is desperate to do more. The whole concert was so uplifting and inspirational (for all the family). Thank you to you both for all you are doing for music in the borough."