Highland tuba player blows up a storm

Antony Hook, tuba player and pupil at Lochaber High School, was awarded Highland Young Musician of the Year 2016 at a competition held in Inverness yesterday (Sunday 19 June).

Eight competitors representing a wide range of instruments, worked over the course of the weekend and presented music to the judging panel at Sunday afternoon’s prelim round of the competition.  The judges then invited five of the musicians to perform their complete 15 minute programme at the evening’s public final.

The five finalists were: Antony Hook (Lochaber High School); Zoe Hodi (Aberdeen City Music School, Dyce); Neavan Lobban (Music School of Douglas Academy); Rosie Clark (Lochaber High School) and Rhona Mackintosh (Lochaber High School)

In addition to Antony being awarded the winners accolade and the Richardson Trophy for Musical Excellence, Zoe Hodi (violin) was presented with the runner-up prize and Rhona Mackintosh (violin) took the ‘most promising talent’ award.

All entrants for this competition are members of one of the Highland Young Musicians regional music groups, which are run as an extension to the work of Highland Council’s Instrumental Tuition Service.  Daisy MacGowan (trumpet, Culloden Academy); Felix Waudby-West (violin, Millburn Academy) & Sophie Cushnie (violin, Dingwall Academy) also took part in the afternoon’s prelim round.

The judges, Joan Gibson, Chief Executive & Artistic Director, National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, Alison Lawrance, freelance cellist, and Dr. Eddie Campbell, University of Aberdeen, commented on the obvious dedication and high standards of all the competitors.  They were particularly impressed at the Council’s continued support of the musical development of Highland’s young people, affording them opportunities often not available in many other parts of the country.

The three winners’ prizes are donated by Friend of Highland Young Musicians and the competition is run by The Highland Council with generous sponsorship this year from The Agar Trust; JBT Distribution; Parcelinq & Mercure Hotel, Inverness

Further information about The Highland Council instrumental tuition service and be found on the Council website and more information about Highland Young Musicians groups and activities can be obtained at: www.highland-young-musicians.org or by contacting the Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton at norman.bolton@highland.gov.uk.  HYM are always keen to collaborate with any businesses willing to support the creative and musical development of Highland young people.