Open Audition Day For Young Musicians

Following on from popular TV talent shows, young musicians from across the Highlands are invited to take part in an audition day to join one of the five regional music groups organised and run by The Highland Council.

Next Saturday (31 May) auditions will be held at Inverness High School for new young musicians wishing to join the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra, the Highland Schools Wind Band, the Highland Youth Big Band, the Highland Youth String Orchestra and ‘snas Ceilidh Band.

Membership for the groups comes from all across the Highlands and the auditions are aimed at players of around Grade 4/5 AB/Trinity standard and above.  Many existing members of the groups are also members of national instrumental and vocal ensembles.

In the Highlands currently around 2500 pupils receive music lessons from a team of 41 instrumental instructors

The Highland Council’s Youth Music Initiative Manager, Norman Bolton said:  “The five Regional Instrumental Groups attract the most talented players who are looking to gain more experience of playing in a group as well as developing their musical and social skills.  Another big benefit of the groups is that they allow interaction between pupils from a number of schools which is especially important considering the wide geographical spread and remoteness of some of our communities.”

The Highland Regional Youth Orchestra was formed over 20 years ago with the other groups forming, due to demand, over the last 3 years. They meet up for intensive rehearsal weekends throughout the year and give performances in a variety of Highland venues. As well as sell-out Highland concerts, the groups have performed in other parts of the UK and abroad.  Over the years there has also been a number of collaborations with professional groups, musicians, composers and conductors.

Any young musicians wishing to take part in the open auditions should contact Norman Bolton on 01349 868201.

Last week members of the ECS Committee agreed the acceptance of £543,024 of continued Youth Music Initiative funding which will be used to ensure that every primary school pupil will have access to at least one year’s free music education by the time they reach Primary 6.  The Initiative funding will also support the continuation of successful music projects in Highland.

Chairman of the ECS Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie welcomed the funding from the Scottish Government.  He said:  “The Highland Council has a very strong tradition of supporting young people to participate in music and to develop their skills.  The funding will allow us to build on our successes and create new opportunities for young people of all abilities to get involved with music.”