Campbeltown Brass are ‘ambassadors for music’
The young musicians of Campbeltown Brass have been described as ‘real ambassadors for music for Argyll and Bute’ by the council’s head of education.
Anne Paterson paid tribute to the band after
presenting its musical director, Stephanie Mitchell, with the Youth Arts Award, which was sponsored by Anne, at the recent Argyll and Bute Youth Awards.
The musical director of Campbeltown Brass said it was a ‘great privilege’ to accept the Youth Arts Award on behalf of the band at the recent Argyll and Bute Youth Awards.
Stephanie Mitchell was presented with the trophy by Argyll and Bute Council’s head of education Anne Paterson, who sponsored the arts category, and Neil Boyle, an award-winning film-maker, at a ceremony in Dunoon earlier this month.
Stephanie said: ‘This award is personal for me as I began my journey with Campbeltown Brass in 2000. The band has played a large role in my career and I am still passionate about keeping the band going from strength to strength.’
She explained Campbeltown
Brass has grown into a threetier organisation, beginning with children as young as seven, up to adults, and is a big part of the community.
She added: ‘As many will know, the arts are being cut across the board so we are grateful to have the support of players, parents and the community to keep the band going.’
Campbeltown Brass picked up one of only 10 awards at the prestigious ceremony at Queens Hall which featured a reception with soft drinks and canapés before the awards were presented.
Anne Paterson, head of education, said: ‘I was so delighted to award Stephanie the trophy for Campbeltown Brass Band. You are real ambassadors for music for Argyll and Bute.’
Argyll and Bute Council’s depute policy lead for education Councillor Keiron Green also attended the event.
He said: ‘Our children and young people are a true credit to Argyll and Bute and I felt humbled to attend the awards.
‘Every day they are making outstanding contributions to our communities and events such as this lets them, and everyone else, see how valued they really are. Congratulations.’
Award winners were: Duke of Edinburgh Outstanding Achievement Award: Oban High School’s Support Department; Unsung Hero Award sponsored by McLay Glass: Josh Blair, Lochgilphead; Youth Environment Award sponsored by ACT: Hermitage Academy Eco Schools Group, Helensburgh; Youth Sporting Award sponsored by Live Argyll: Mollie Aiken, Bute; Youth Entrepreneur Award sponsored by SAMTEQ: Shanice Honeyman, Lochgilphead; Youth Volunteering Award sponsored by John Brown of Strone: SOAP, Dunoon; Youth Arts Award sponsored by Anne Paterson: Campbeltown Brass Band; Health and Well-being Award sponsored by NHS Health and Well-being: Freya Kennedy-Boyle, Bute; Youth Citizenship Award sponsored by Gateway: Rosie Sumsion, Helensburgh; and Special Contribution Awards: Hannah Nicolson and Stephanie Thomas.