​​​​​​​Highland bands aim for national success

March 19th will see two youth wind bands from Highland travel to the final of the Scottish Concert Bands Festival in Perth. 

The 45 members of Inverness Schools Wind Band with their conductor Rob Farmer and assistance of other Council Instructors received a Gold award in the regional heats which were held at Gordonstoun School. The last time the band qualified was in 2013 when the fickle Scottish weather deprived the students their journey to the Nationals. This time they’re hoping for a better forecast!

Lochaber High School Senior Wind Band will be making their fourth appearance in five years at the national finals of the Festival. They have been lucky enough to have been awarded 3 gold plus awards in their previous performances and are hoping to perform well at this year’s event, promoting the strong tradition of brass, wind and percussion playing in Lochaber and across the Highland Region.

Their Instructors Mark Reynolds and Karen Thomson have chosen a programme showcasing a variety of musical styles from the descriptive “Shipwrecked” by Ryan Nowlin; the beautiful “Aeolian Winds” by John Edmunds and finishing with the Western inspired “Shackleford Banks” by Jay Bocook.

Lochaber High School Senior Wind Band

Both bands are really looking forward to their performances in the stunning setting of Perth Concert Hall in front of a very enthusiastic audience.  

Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said: “To have two groups performing at this level from Highland is a great achievement and testament to the quality and hard work of Highland Council’s Instrumental Tuition Service Music Instructors.  Both bands play to exceptionally high standards and the members show a great amount of commitment to their groups.  I have no doubt that both bands will be excellent musical and social ambassadors for Highland and wish them all the best of luck at the event.”