Ruby anniversary for top performer

A Milngavie music school with two strings to its bow – excelling at its specialism and also academically – is about to hit 40

Almost 40 years have passed since the Music School of Douglas Academy in Milngavie first opened its doors and began producing unrivalled success stories.

The Music School’s offering of world-class training began in 1979, following the Cameron Report for the Scottish Education Department on gifted young musicians and dancers, which recommended that youngsters with exceptional ability should be able to attend specialist courses at comprehensive schools.

It went on to form the model for Scotland’s three other centres of excellence in music, all of which will join the Music School’s staff and pupils in a 40th anniversary concert next year.

The joint performance, to be held on Monday, 9 March, will also recognise almost 40 years of the City of Edinburgh Music School and nearly 20 years of both the Aberdeen City Music School and the Highlands-based National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School.

From day one, the Music School of Douglas Academy has produced acclaimed musicians.

Its first cohort included the internationally-renowned tenor and presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s Classics Unwrapped,

Jamie Macdougall and celebrated traditional singer and musician Mary Ann Kennedy.

Award-winning composer Tom Harrold and stylish conductor Rory Macdonald are also on the school’s impressive list of alumni.

Most recently, multi awardwinning The Ayoub Sisters debuted at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2016 and have been nominated for Classic Brit and Global Awards.

Apart from the distinguished musical position, Douglas Academy is in the top 10 per cent of Scotland’s schools for academic achievement.

“What we offer here is the best of both worlds,” explains course director Mark Evans. “Academically, we are very strong and the Music School is very strong.

“Our aim is that by the end of six years, we will have equipped students to go on and do whatever they like – not everyone goes on to study music. That’s a big attraction, that we can offer that and create very rounded individuals at the end of the day.”

Evans maintains there is a clear correlation between studying the arts and academic success.

Research suggests that playing an instrument can help academically and it is perhaps no coincidence that academically, students in the Music School, which is An open evening will provide an opportunity to learn about what happens on a day-to-day basis in the Music School, and hear some of its students perform. There will also be the chance to meet the course director and headteacher, as well as learn first hand from many currently studying there about their experiences. The evening will run tomorrow from 7pm until 9.30pm.

For more information visit www.douglas.e-dunbarton.sch.uk fully funded by the Scottish Government and supported by East Dunbartonshire Council are in the top 5-10 per cent of Douglas Academy.

Students study rudimetns of music, harmony and musicianship, aural training and music history as well. There are also weekly performance classes and opportunities for chamber music and performing in orchestras and choirs.

The Music School draws on teaching staff from the likes of the Royal Conservatoire, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, The RSNO and Scottish Opera.

Students may apply to the Music School from P7 onwards. The deadline for applications for next year’s intake is Monday, 27 January 2020, and auditions will take place in February and March.

Application forms can be downloaded online at www. douglas.e-dunbarton.sch.uk

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