There are currently five Regional Instrumental Groups, run as an extension to the work of the Instrumental Tuition Service in Highland. Membership for all the groups is by audition / invitation after an Audition Day (normally held in late May/early June each year). Members are drawn from all areas of Highland.
Highland Regional Youth Orchestra (HRYO)
Highland Schools Wind Band (HSWB)
Highland Youth String Orchestra (HYSO)
Highland Youth Big Band (HYBB)
‘snas (ceilidh Band)
Players of around Grade 4 AB/Trinity standard and above in all instrumental disciplines populate most of the Groups.
Highland Council Instrumental Instructors can advise on suitability for membership and the application procedure.
Regional Groups provide an ideal extension to the many school and area groups which already exist. They are an ideal opportunity for members to make friends amongst many of the 3000 Highland pupils who receive tuition in our schools whilst promoting a high standard of musicianship. Many members of Highland Regional Instrumental Groups are also members of national instrumental ensembles.
Due to the nature of Highland geography, the groups meet for intensive rehearsal weekends. There are normally two rehearsal weekends before December each year then a third which involves a performance. This pattern is repeated between January and April. Performances are given in a variety of Highland venues and are normally advertised on the Hi-Arts website.
There is also a history of Regional Groups performing in other areas of Scotland, and abroad.
In June 2006, HRYO gave Concerts of an extremely high standard in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Guest soloist at both these events was Wilma MacDougall, soprano. This tour also included HYBB who were subsequently invited to attend a Youth Music Festival in Kristianstad, Sweden – a trip which will be made in June 2007.
All the Regional Groups are grateful for the continued support of The Friends of Highland Young Musicians. This group of supportive parents provide practical assistance at Concerts when required and continue to seek much-needed sources of finance for the replacement of instruments, equipment and the subsidy of a number of the Groups’ activities.
More details of any of the groups can be obtained from Norman Bolton, Music Development Officer on 01349 863441.