Talented musicians strike the right note
SLC’S instrumental music service’s busy term
South Lanarkshire Council’s Instrumental Music Service has enjoyed a busy summer term of showcasing and celebrating success.
On June 13, the musical achievements amassed by many of the county’s young musicians featured in the council’s Pupil Achievement Awards Ceremony held in the Hamilton Town House.
Three instrumental music performance acts provided polished and exciting musical entertainment on the day.
A saxophone quintet from the South Lanarkshire Schools’ Big Band provided foyer entrance music; Calderglen High School’s baritone saxophone quartet performed on stage and the quartet’s award winning saxophonist, Dean Garrity provided a beautiful solo recitation.
All of the featured musicians were commended during the event for their musical excellence: Dean, accompanied by the Calderglen High School Senior Concert Band, won the Most Outstanding Soloist Award at the recent Scottish Concert Band Festival Finals in Perth and the South Lanarkshire Schools’ Big Band were awarded the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire’s Special Award for 2016 in recognition of excellence in music-making and community engagement.
Two days later, over 300 primary school pupils showcased their musical talents in front of a sellout audience at the Hamilton Town House on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 15.
The Instrumental Music Service Primary Showcase featured 20 highly polished performances incorporating the musical skills of children from 33 primary schools.
The diversity and variety of the performances ranged from a percussion orchestra to a trombone duet and the Skye Boat Song to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
The concert culminated in a rousing massed cast finale of the Katrina and the Waves’ summer hit ‘Walking on Sunshine’ accompanied by a staff band.
Instrumental music coordinator, Graeme Barclay, commended participating pupils and staff alike, stating: “The dedication and phenomenal talents of the Instrumental Music Service’s pupils and instructors have achieved significant levels of school, local and national success during academic session 2015-16.
“It is hugely rewarding, and at times pretty humbling, to review and recognise the high standard of home-grown young musical learner that is nurtured through the council’s music service and school music departments.
“My sincere thanks must go to all participants, stakeholders, supporters and to Creative Scotland for their continuing funding.”