Top music talents are a class act
Schools come together
Talented young musicians from across the Stirling area have performed to capacity audiences at Balfron High and the Albert Halls.
They served up an eclectic programme of entertainment at the concerts organised by Stirling Council Instrumental Music Service.
All who took part – other than the pipe bands – are made up from pupils at all seven of the council’s high schools.
The Balfron and McLaren pipe bands came together for the Balfron concert, and the Stirling and District pipe band, comprising pupils from the other five schools, played at the Albert Halls.
Stirling Council senior music tutor Lesley McEwan said: “This was followed by the choir, then the wind band, the largest of the groups with 73 members, performing a varied programme including the theme from Spider-Man which was very popular with the pupils, particularly the young and promising percussion team.
“They were fascinating to watch, moving smoothly from one instrument to the other and helping each other along the way. We look forward to seeing more from them in the future.
“The youth orchestra under their guest conductor Tom Smith, began their programme with three movements of Warlock’s Capriol Suite, and the stirring Finale from the Firebird Suite. It has grown in strength and made a fantastic sound.”
The string orchestra, the second largest group of the evening with 71 players, had a vastly contrasted programme from Vivaldi, through music from the film La La Land finishing with Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop the Feeling.
“The whole orchestra seemed to enjoy their programme,” added Lesley.
“The guitar ensemble took part in a competition the week before the concert, so they were well prepared to perform their two pieces, I Shot the Sheriff and The Maple Leaf Rag. They were small in numbers but made up for it in talent.”
The penultimate item in the programme was a piano duet performed sensitively by Isla Fraser and Lauren Metcalfe, two pupils from Wallace High.
Finale of the concert was four movements from John Williams’ Star Wars Suite, bringing the concert to a spirited and enthusiastic close.
“The instrumental tutor team were ecstatic with the performances of all the groups,” said Lesley, “
“It is always a pleasure to work with these young people whose enthusiasm is infectious. They turn up to rehearsals ready to learn and work together to improve the group. They are hardworking and always willing and helpful.
“Particular mention should be made of Robbie Subke (youth orchestra leader) and Harvey Pizey, both pupils at Stirling High, who took it upon themselves to become orchestra roadies – arriving early each week to set out chairs and stands and staying behind afterwards to clear up.”
There are no more rehearsals for these groups this year, but the intermediate groups will be meeting up in spring term and the tutors are looking out some fun music for them to learn.
Itisalwaysapleasuretoworkwiththeseyoung people whose enthusiasm is infectious. They turn up to rehearsals ready to learn