TALENTED Selina Govan has become a musical icon after becoming a cover girl for a magazine that has a following across the globe.

Selina, aged 17, who plays principal cornet player with award-winning Smithills School Senior Band, graces the cover of this month's Brass Band World and joins an illustrious hall of front cover fame.

Smithills is the only school to have had a front cover on the magazine, which sells hundreds of thousands of copies all over the world.

Example

And Selina joins former Smithills pupils Mala Patel and Lynsey Heyes who have both been cover stars in the past.

The band features heavily in the issue, not merely for their musical prowess but for being a shining example of how youngsters of different colours, races and faiths can come together to share the joy of music.

Magazine chief feature writer Alan Jenkins, who spent the day with the band and Selina, says that in times of racial tensions Smithills musical achievements are a "shining light".

He said: "Happily, in the bandroom at Smithills School the world is a better place and a visitor gets a glimpse of what is possible as Asian -- Hindu and Muslim -- and white students enjoy each other's company and feel part of a team."

The band's director, Chris Wormald, was delighted with the praise they have received, but as far as he and the band are concerned everyone is just acting naturally.

"The reaction to our high profile and worldwide media interest has been superb, especially in light of the tragic terrorist demolition of the World Trade Center towers two weeks ago," he said.

"It is timely that the magazine has picked upon our success at bringing pupils of different races and faiths together.

"This has also happened with the parents of the band who come together to watch their children excel and celebrate our success. I believe we have built some real bridges here." But he added: "It is not something we have ever consciously thought about, however. The only thing a child needs to become a member of the band is an interest in music and a desire to play.

"Music is something that should and does unite us all and it would be nice if more people could use the success we have had at Smithills as an example."

Heaton girl Selina, who is studying for her A-Levels and wants to become a journalist, echoed Mr Wormald's sentiments.

Important

"Issues of race or different religions have never been a talking point in the band," she said. "It is simply not important. What is important is being the best we can be and that is what we concentrate on.

"We are not just bandmates but friends as well and, at a time like this when there is a lot of trouble in the world, we would like to see other people adopting the same attitudes as we do."

The modest maestro added: "As far as being a cover girl goes it was a bit embarrassing at first and I got a few jokes from some of the others, but it's quite nice really. It's been a good experience." TALENTED Selina Govan has become a musical icon after becoming a cover girl for a magazine that has a following across the globe.

Selina, aged 17, who plays principal cornet player with award-winning Smithills School Senior Band, graces the cover of this month's Brass Band World and joins an illustrious hall of front cover fame.

Smithills is the only school to have had a front cover on the magazine, which sells hundreds of thousands of copies all over the world.

Example

And Selina joins former Smithills pupils Mala Patel and Lynsey Heyes who have both been cover stars in the past.

The band features heavily in the issue, not merely for their musical prowess but for being a shining example of how youngsters of different colours, races and faiths can come together to share the joy of music.

Magazine chief feature writer Alan Jenkins, who spent the day with the band and Selina, says that in times of racial tensions Smithills' musical achievements are a "shining light".

He said: "Happily, in the bandroom at Smithills School the world is a better place and a visitor gets a glimpse of what is possible as Asian -- Hindu and Muslim -- and white students enjoy each other's company and feel part of a team."

The band's director, Chris Wormald, was delighted with the praise they have received, but as far as he and the band are concerned everyone is just acting naturally.

"The reaction to our high profile and worldwide media interest has been superb, especially in light of the tragic terrorist demolition of the World Trade Center towers two weeks ago," he said.

"It is timely that the magazine has picked upon our success at bringing pupils of different races and faiths together.

"This has also happened with the parents of the band who come together to watch their children excel and celebrate our success. I believe we have built some real bridges here." But he added: "It is not something we have ever consciously thought about, however. The only thing a child needs to become a member of the band is an interest in music and a desire to play.

"Music is something that should and does unite us all and it would be nice if more people could use the success we have had at Smithills as an example."

Heaton girl Selina, who is studying for her A-Levels and wants to become a journalist, echoed Mr Wormald's sentiments.

Important

"Issues of race or different religions have never been a talking point in the band," she said. "It is simply not important. What is important is being the best we can be and that is what we concentrate on.

"We are not just bandmates but friends as well and, at a time like this when there is a lot of trouble in the world, we would like to see other people adopting the same attitudes as we do."

The modest maestro added: "As far as being a cover girl goes it was a bit embarrassing at first and I got a few jokes from some of the others, but it's quite nice really. It's been a good experience."