Young musicians invited to audition for musical groups

All young musicians attending Highland Council schools in session 2012/13 are currently being invited to apply for membership of one of The Highland Councils eight Regional Music Groups, which are run as an extension to the work of the Instrumental Tuition Service. 

These Groups continue to perform at the highest level and are in growing demand for performances in addition to those planned in their annual rehearsal and performance calendar.  Membership for all the Groups is by audition after the annual Audition Day with members drawn from all areas of Highland.

Applications are currently open for the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra; Highland Schools Wind Band; Highland Youth String Orchestra; Highland Youth Big Band; ‘snas (Ceilidh Band); Highland Youth Pipe Band;Còisir G (Regional Gaelic Choir) and the Highland Youth Choir.

Around 400 young musicians are expected to attend the 2012 Audition Day, which takes place in Inverness on Saturday 16 June.

Norman Bolton, The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer said:  “The annual Audition Day is a vital part of the process which ensures that whilst maximum participation is encouraged, high musical standards are also maintained.  It may be that someone in your household would especially benefit from membership.  In particular the Highland Youth Choir and Còisir G group are hoping to attract new applicants and would be particularly keen to hear from boys with broken voices.”

Application booklets and further information can be obtained by contacting Ruth Urquhart on 01349 868222

The 2011/12 season saw the Highland Youth Choir and Regional Youth Orchestra perform the Scottish premiere of the WWF commission One Sun, One World at the Groups November performances in Aviemore’s MacDonald Highland Resort with further performances by all the other Groups on that same date.  Performances were also given in Eden Court, Inverness in March 2012.  Once again, these were of the highest standards, with a particular highlight being the performance of Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto by Highland Regional Youth Orchestra with their guest soloist Tristan Lee, who appeared courtesy of Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

Details of all the Groups and their activities can be found at: www.highland-young-musicians.com