Euan makes big noise at top music school
A Stirling pupil has been excelling at an Edinburgh music school
Euan Crawford-McKee started in second year in September at St Mary’s Music School which offers specialist music education to nine to 19-year-olds who show exceptional ability and potential.
Seventeen-year-old Euan is a percussionist and bagpiper.
His main focus is on the drums, but he also enjoys participating in different musical styles within the school – orchestral, classical, jazz, rock, world music and folk.
Entry to the school is by audition and assessment, based on musical ability and potential, regardless of personal financial circumstances or background.
Under the Scottish Government Aided Places Scheme and philanthropic gifts through fundraising, each family makes an affordable contribution to fees, dependent on income.
Fourteen new pupils joined the school in this year’s intake.
Headteacher Dr Kenneth Taylor said: “As St Mary’s Music School grows in reputation and stature, I am delighted that this year we have welcomed pupils from almost every area of Scotland, together with the North-East of England, plus a record number of international students.
“Our pupils are a mix of instrumentalists and choristers and it is a privilege for our staff to enable the development of our gifted young musicians and singers. At present, we are busy preparing for our annual Christmas Concert on December 17 which is always a highlight of the school year.”
The school holds a programme of term time Saturday music classes for children aged 4-12.
These enable some 150 local children to discover the wonders of music through interaction with some of the very best music teachers.
The school is also the Choir School of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh.