Joshua hits the orchestral notes
A sixth form Ayr pupil was one of 50 secondary school pupils from across the country to take over the running of Scotland’s national symphony orchestra last week.
Joshua Parkhill, 17, of Kyle Academy, who is an accomplished trombonist and won Best Instrumentalist at this year’s Ayrshire Music Festival, joined the group of 16- 18 year- olds at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s ( RSNO) base the RSNO Centre in Glasgow last Monday and Tuesday for two days of intensive work experience, which culminated in a showcase concert for parents and friends.
The initiative, RSNO Takeover, is now in its fifth year, and offers young people who are interested in music and the arts the opportunity to get a glimpse into the inner workings of one of Europe’s premier performing arts organisations.
The teenagers worked side- by- side with musicians and staff, giving them a real day in the life experience of the RSNO. The various departments they were able to choose to work in were: Operations, External Relations, Learning & Engagement and even performing as a member of the Orchestra.
The theme of the concert for RSNO Takeover was The Story of Sleeping Beauty and featured lighting and video projections prepared by the young people. Danse Macabre by Saint- Seäns and Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from Sleeping Beauty were just two of the works that showcased the talents of the young conductors and musicians.
Takeover participant Joshua said: “This has been a great experience that has helped confirm my choice to have a career in the arts.”