Showcase For Young Musicians
Around 130 talented young musicians are busy rehearsing for a special showcase performance featuring the Highland Youth Big Band, the Highland Schools Wind Band, the Highland Youth String Orchestra and ‘snas ceilidh band.
The participating musicians from primary and secondary schools throughout the Highlands, range in ages from 10 years up to 18. Organised and run by The Highland Council, these musical groups give young players the experience of performing live and the chance to develop their skills beyond any opportunity available in individual schools.
The evening showcase, to be held at the Averon Leisure Centre in Alness on Saturday 26 April, will feature a wide selection of music to suit all tastes.
Norman Bolton, The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer said: “Members of all four groups have been working hard to prepare for this showcase event and are looking forward to showing off their skills at what will be a very lively and entertaining evening of music.
“The musicians come from all parts of Highland and so opportunities for them to get together and rehearse are limited. When they do manage to meet up, rehearsals are intensive and tiring but thankfully these young musicians still find time to make new friendships which last beyond their time playing in the groups. Despite the logistical difficulties of running these groups, the musicians continue to produce musical standards of the highest calibre and are a credit to themselves and all those who nurture and support their abilities.”
There are currently five Regional Instrumental Groups, run by the Council as an extension to the work of the Instrumental Tuition Service in Highland. Membership for all groups is by invitation after an Audition Day held in May each year. Many of the members are also members of national instrumental ensembles.
All the groups receive support from The Highland Council, Friends of Highland Youth Music, The Music Shop, Graham Urquhart Travel, Ramada Jarvis and the Educational Institute of Scotland.
The Highland Council’s Chairman of Education, Culture and Sport, Councillor Bill Fernie paid tribute to the abilities of the young performers. He said: “This showcase event is the ideal chance for people to enjoy a mixture of live music played to a very high standard. These young musicians, and their tutors, dedicate a lot of their time and energy to perfecting their skills. Although playing to a large live audience can seem daunting, I am sure they will enjoy the experience and receive worthy applause for their efforts.”
The performance starts at 7.30pm and tickets costing £6 or £4 concession are available by telephoning 01349 868271 during office hours. Tickets are expected to be sold out in advance so anyone wishing to come is advised to book now to avoid disappointment.