Musical distinction for Culloden pupil

Culloden Academy pupil Ruairidh Jones is pictured following his recent success in achieving Grade 8 Trinity College Jazz Saxophone, with Distinction.

Ruairidh started playing soprano saxophone 9 years ago when he was 8 years old and progressed to alto and tenor as he grew. His lessons have mostly been delivered by the Highland Council Instrumental Music Service and through time he became a member of Highland Schools Wind Band for 3 years. For the last 4 years he has been in Highland Youth Big Band on either alto or tenor - currently as lead tenor. He has also been to the NYJOS (National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland) summer school for 3 years and in 2017 was 2nd tenor in the NYJOS Access Orchestra.

Ruairidh is hoping to go on and study Jazz Performance at either the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire or Leeds College of Music.

The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton, said: “It’s fantastic to have been able to follow Ruairidh’s progress as a musician from his early days with Highland Young Musicians groups.  He has always been a motivated and loyal student and we hope his ambitions will come to fruition with the continued support of his parents and Council staff.”