Youth Music celebration

Before the end of school session, over 300 Primary school pupils gathered in Inverness Leisure Centre’s main hall to celebrate the success of Youth Music Initiative activities in Highland.

Youth Music Initiative sessions are provided in all Highland Primary schools with funding from Scottish Government administered by Creative Scotland.

In Highland, we have been running Kodály musicianship sessions; Gigajam drumkit & guitar skills (geographically specific schools only); SoundStart (Grantown Primary) and trad music sessions in all schools in collaboration with Fèisean nan Gàidheal.

The event was ran in collaboration with Fèisean nan Gàidheal and Fèis Rois. It allowed the pupils attending to participate in a number of ‘music station’ activities.  Three of the schools presented short performances and the afternoon saw all those attending learning some Gaelic, English and Scots singing games and songs.  Nairn Academy Steel Band entertained during lunchtime and the afternoon sessions activities were accompanied by the ‘house band’ consisting of some of the tutors involved in delivering the morning activities.

Norman Bolton, The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer said: "All the skills delivered as part of YMI projects enable pupils to build a high level of musical understanding, social skills and confidence as they move through Primary education.  Staff working in the Council’s Instrumental Tuition Scheme and Secondary Music Departments reap the benefit of the knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm generated by all these aspects of Music Education."

Further information on all aspects of Youth Music Initiative in Highland can be obtained from Norman Bolton, Music Development Officer, at: norman.bolton@highland.gov.uk