Something to “trumpet” about as musical pupils pick up Gold Plus Award

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On Saturday (18th March) Lochaber High School Senior Wind Band took part in the National Finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival in the prestigious venue of Perth Concert Hall.

The band played a variety of different styles of music from the evocative nautical based 'Shipwrecked' to the beautiful 'Aeloian' Winds, finishing off with the rousing Western themed 'Shackleford Banks'.

There were a total of 16 bands performing in their band class, the largest amount in the history of the festival.  Following a stunning performance, the band was awarded a Gold Plus Award, for the third time in a row and the first time a band in that particular class has ever received three Gold Plus Awards in a row in the National Finals. A consequence of that amazing feat is that the bands conductor, Mark Reynolds, Highland Council brass Instructor in Lochaber has been awarded a travelling scholarship to attend the Mid West Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago in December.

The adjudicators were impressed by the 43 young musicians professionalism and attention to detail, describing the performance as 'confident, musical and fantastic!'

Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said: “For a band from one school to be performing consistently at this high level is a credit to the hard work of staff and pupils and the support of the school, parents and local community.  Across Highland, we are rightly proud of the high standards of musicianship achieved by so many young people receiving tuition as part of our Instrumental Tuition Service.  Despite geographical and financial hurdles, pupils continue to be inspired and motivated to use music as a development tool whether it be towards a professional career or as an extension to educational and social development.”

ENDS

 

21 Mar 2017