Our young musicians go for gold at Royal Conservatoire
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow was the venue for the National Concert Band Festival’s Scottish regional performances on Sunday 19 January.
Bands were welcomed from all over Scotland and the North of England to perform for the adjudicators Bryan Allan and Heather Nicoll.
Alongside North Ayrshire Schools’ Senior Concert Band, other bands included: Garnock Valley Community Band, Edinburgh Academy Concert Band/Big Band, Aberdeen Grammar, Durham University and Strathclyde University Concert Band.
Garnock Valley Community Band also stood out receiving a Platinum Award for their performance.
Both adjudicators were very complimentary as to the high standard of music performed throughout the day and how well prepared each band was.
North Ayrshire Schools’ Senior Concert Band were awarded a Gold Award for their performance for the second year running.
Quote: I am delighted to see the progress the Senior Concert Band has made this year. This was a very fitting award for all their hard work. Congratulations also to the Garnock Valley Community Band for their well-deserved Platinum Award. It is brilliant to see so many former North Ayrshire Senior Band Members continuing to excel in this wonderful community ensemble.
Quote from: Ronan Watson, North Ayrshire Music Service Manager
Performance highlights included the challenging rendition of Vortex by Robert Longfield, Highland Fantasy by Scottish Composer Bruce Fraser and ending on a high with Michael Brown’s arrangement of 60s rock mix which included the rock classics - Devil in the Blue Dress, Gimme Some Lovin’ and Louie, Louie.
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: “Well done to our exceptional musicians for achieving a Gold Award once again thanks to their memorable performances as part of the National Concert Band Festival.
“You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves and I have no doubt this is just the start of what is going to be another memorable year for North Ayrshire’s young musicians.
“Special thanks to their remarkable instrumental instructors who are committed to helping all of our students to hone their musical abilities. Keep up the outstanding work and keep enjoying your music. Congratulations to all the performers and to everyone in our music service team."
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Published: 10 February 2025