Top marks for Nairn percussionist

Nairn Academy leaver, Matthew Campbell, excelled himself recently by achieving 97 marks out of 100 for his Grade 8 Trinity College tuned percussion exam.  

Matthew has been a pupil of Dougie Galbraith, The Highland Council’s percussion Instructor since 1st year at Nairn Academy and has since been a loyal and active member of Inverness Schools Wind Band; Highland Schools Wind Band and the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra.  In addition to these Area & regional groups run as an extension to Highland Council’s Instrumental Tuition Service, Matthew has also been a great musical ambassador in his local community and has gained much experience all over Scotland as part of Nairn Academy’s Steel Band. 

Norman Bolton, The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, who also happens to represent Trinity College exams for Inverness and the surrounding areas, said: “An A pass at Grade 8 for any musician is a fine achievement, but to be awarded a mark this high is excellent and shows great ability and dedication from Matthew.  It is always a little sad to see pupils at this level moving on as they leave school, but also satisfying to know that they are leaving with so many positive experiences from the opportunities we have been able to give them in Highland.” 

Matthew is also an able pianist and although moving to Glasgow to study French and Spanish, he intends to make sure that he joins as many musical ensembles as possible.  In addition to his Trinity success, he recently picked up the Leslie Rose Award for Music and Dr J M Milne Award for Modern Languages at Nairn Academy.

Full information about any of the musical opportunities available through the Highland Council’s Instrumental Tuition Service can be found at http://www.highland.gov.uk/ with further information about Highland Young Musicians groups at http://www.highland-young-musicians.com/