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Young musicians strike chord with winning performances
Talented young musicians from across North Ayrshire were celebrating an exceptional weekend of musical achievement.
North Ayrshire Music Service celebrated a landmark success with ensembles excelling at both the Ayrshire Music Festival and the Scottish Concert Band Finals in Perth.
Ayrshire Music Festival’s Ensemble Day
Over 200 pupils from across the three Ayrshires took part, with North Ayrshire ensembles delivering standout performances.
The Junior String Ensemble impressed adjudicator, Jenna Pang and secured first place in their class with lively renditions of Simple Square Dance, Black Jack and Flop Eared Mule.
A historic milestone followed as Largs Academy String Orchestra won the prestigious Bank of Scotland Trophy for Schools Division A—the first time in the trophy’s 26-year history that it has been awarded to a North Ayrshire school. Their captivating performances of Red, Red Rose and Strings of Fire earned widespread praise.
The Intermediate String Ensemble achieved an Honours Category award for their expressive interpretations of Skye Boat Song and Hungary Mungary.
Rounding off the day, the Senior String Ensemble also received an Honours Category, performing Sondag—featuring cello soloist Claire Esslemont—and the energetic Donegal Fiddlers.
National Finals
The celebrations continued on Sunday as it was the turn of the concert bands, with Largs Academy Wind Band and the North Ayrshire Senior Concert Band taking to the stage at the Scottish Concert Band Finals in Perth.
Largs Academy Wind Band delivered an outstanding programme featuring Byzantine Dances (Carol Brittin Chambers), With Each Sunset (Richard L. Saucedo), and Nevermore (Brian Balmages), earning a remarkable Gold Plus Award.
The North Ayrshire Senior Concert Band followed with a powerful performance of Okeanos (Jack Bullock), Incandescent (Richard L. Saucedo), and Highlights from “Ratatouille” (Michael Giacchino/John Moss), securing a Gold Award.
Also representing North Ayrshire with distinction were the Garnock Valley Community Band after they achieved a superb Platinum Award, rounding off what was an exceptional event for Ayrshire ensembles.
Quote: We are incredibly proud of every young musician and community performer who represented North Ayrshire this weekend. Their talent, dedication, and teamwork were evident in every performance. To see such a range of ensembles having such success is truly inspiring. This success reflects the hard work of our pupils, the commitment of our staff, and the strong musical community we are fortunate to be part of.”
Quote from: Ronan Watson, North Ayrshire Music Service Manager
Published: 26 March 2026