Brass band star performs in front of 2,5000 music lovers
A music star is still celebrating after performing at the European Brass Band Championships.
Dalmellington girl Fiona Kennedy is still on cloud nine as she reflects on her showing at the championships in Ostend, Belgium.
Fiona, 20 , was selected to represent Scotland in the European Youth Brass Band by the Scottish Brass Band Association.
The youth brass band event takes place as part of a festival of events celebrating the very best in European brass band music, with performers travelling from far and wide to take part.
Events include a soloist championship, the overall European Brass Band Championships and a full fringe programme of performances and events as well as the performance by the Youth Brass band.
Ayrshire College student Fiona had to take time from studying on her HNC Music course last year to take part in the Grand Gala Concert in April alongside talented performers from across Europe, including fellow Scots Kyle McCorquodale and Duncan McLuskie.
And now Fiona will return to Ayrshire College next week to continue her studies on the HND Music course – and has high hopes that her star performance in front of more than 2,500 of the most important people in the world of brass band music will stand her in good stead for the year ahead.
Fiona said “It genuinely was a once in a lifetime achievement as you can only get selected once for the European Youth Brass Band, so it was a tremendous honour to go to Belgium.
“I didn’t expect to get picked, but I was thrilled when I did.
“We were in Belgium for 10 days and it was constant concerts. The gala concert in front of 2,500 people was amazing and we also played at the War Memorial Service, which was very emotional.”
Fiona knew the two other Scots in the brass band, but there were another 40 in the band who she did not know.
She said “It was great to meet people from other countries.
“The European Youth Brass Band is one big band with performers from all over Europe, so I met people from France, Italy, Lithuania, Switzerland, etc.
“They all spoke English very well and it was great to interact with them.
“I started playing the cornet in primary school and now play in Dalmellington Brass Band.
“I love studying music at Ayrshire College and I’m looking forward to returning for my HND course.
“I’ve always been interested in music and the goal for me is to become a music teacher.”