Pupils link up with twin town musicians
Pupils at Balfron High School teamed up with French orchestra Jeune Ensemble Harmonique on Thursday, (October 27), when they performed together in a concert at the school.
The orchestra, based in Stirling’s twin town Villeneuve-d’Ascq, treated an audience including Stirling Provost Mike Robbins to a musical medley at a civic reception at Stirling Council last Monday evening, before performing at the Tolbooth the following evening.
Balfron High and partner school ArthurRimbaud, in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, have run a successful exchange programme for the last 20 years. The school hosted 29 French pupils in the first week of October, and the vistors enjoyed learning about Scottish history and culture at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre and Stirling Castle.
Provost Mike Robbins said:“Our shared links with Villeneuve-d’Ascq go back many years and we were delighted to welcome Jeune Ensemble Harmonique. We are very outward looking in Stirling, so w w we look forward to many more visits from our European friends.”
Headteacher Elaine Bannatyne said:“The exchange visit was a great success and a wonderful opportunity for the French pupils to experience a different school system, and enjoy the great facilities we have at Balfron High. Traditionally at Balfron High a good auld Scottish ceilidh marks the end of the first leg of the exchange. This was a great night enjoyed by everyone.’’