A string of outstanding performances result in top marks for young North Ayrshire musicians
Posted on 22 Mar 2024
Young string players from across North Ayrshire impressed the judges at the recent Ayrshire Music Festival.
Performing on Saturday March, 9 at Ayr Town Hall, the performances from string players in North Ayrshire’s Junior and Senior orchestras wowed the audience on the Ayrshire Music Festival’s Orchestra Day.
The event, the 98th of its kind – is a standout in the local music event calendar each year with a longstanding tradition.
It was attended by 150 string players from North Ayrshire and was a brilliant day for the players and audience members alike.
The adjudicator was Mr Steven Roberts and highlights from our young musicians included:
NA Junior Strings – who impressed the adjudicator with their rendition of an arrangement of the Scottish Traditional piece “Boat to Inverie” and “Simple Square Dance” by Dorothy Straub.
Consisting of 49 pupils from across North Ayrshire Primary Schools – Annick, Beith, Glebe, Largs, St Luke’s, Stanley, West Kilbride and Whitehirst Park Primary, Mr Roberts commented on the beautiful unison sound created by the group, their focus on the conductor, and the energy that they brought to the performance.
He was also impressed to see so many string players taking part in the whole event and to such a high standard.
Musicians from the North Ayrshire New Start Ensemble also made a lasting impression, wowing the adjudicator with their standout performance of “Manhattan Blues”. The orchestra’s twirling cellos also got a special mention.
70 pupils from P2 to P5 are part of the North Ayrshire New Starts Ensemble from across North Ayrshire schools including – Annick, Beith, Garnock, Largs, Dykesmains, Caledonia, Winton, Dalry, Moorpark, St Luke’s, Castlepark, Stanley and Woodlands Primary.
The 39 pupils of North Ayrshire Senior Strings then represented their secondary schools of Ardrossan Academy, Auchenharvie Academy, Garnock Community Campus, Greenwood Academy, Irvine Royal Academy, Kilwinning Academy, Largs Academy and St Matthew’s Academy, joined by talented double bass player Eva from Whitehirst Park Primary.
They performed “Yankele” featuring solo violin from the leader Niamh Milne from St Matthew’s Academy and an arrangement of the music from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.
Showing excellent professional stage etiquette, the adjudicator enjoyed their performance commenting on the unity and musicality shown by the young musicians and awarded them with a distinction for their performance.
And Largs Academy Strings performed the traditional piece “The Water’s Wide” and an arrangement of “Skye Boat Song”. The adjudicator mentioned the well-kept balance of the ensemble, ensuring that the main melody was not overpowered.
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education, shared: “A huge well done to all our talented young people.
“Following on from the recent music successes of the Senior Concert Band at the National Concert Band Festival’s regional competition (at Garnock Community Campus) and the Young Musician of the Year competition (at Saltcoats Town Hall), the accolades achieved at the prestigious Ayr competition are an amazing achievement for our talented young musicians.
“It’s great to see that the hard work of the young people and their tutors, friends, families and fellow musicians who are supporting each other to hone their musical skills and perfect their performances with the support North Ayrshire’s Music Service.”
Ronan Watson, Music Service Manager, added: “I’m immensely proud of our talented young people. Their hard work and commitment paid off as they performed to their absolute best.
“Many thanks to our instructors, music leaders, support staff and families for the team effort involved.”
Additional win for Senior Concert Band at National Concert Band Festival...
Our Senior Concert Band also performed in the historic market town of Warwick, England over the weekend, where the young musicians scooped a gold award at the National Concert Band Finals (NCBF).
The Senior Concert Band were awarded a Gold Award at the National Concert Band Festival in Warwick on Saturday 16 March. Fifty bands from across the UK participated in the NCBF final.
The Senior Concert Band played three pieces of music and gave a fantastic performance of:
- Encanto by Robert W. Smith
- Eagle and the Serpent by Kit Turnbull
- The Great Locomotive Chase by Robert W. Smith.
The adjudicators gave very positive and encouraging feedback and everyone was delighted with the Gold Award.
With 32 members, the Senior Band features players from across North Ayrshire secondary schools including Auchenharvie, Garnock Community Campus, Greenwood, Largs and St Matthew’s. It was a fantastic weekend and the band look forward to competing again next year.
Group photograph with musical director Mr Steven Cowling.