Students and instructors from the East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service have had an exceptionally busy and successful first term back at school, showcasing talent across workshops, concerts, national ensembles and competitions.
Newsroom.east-ayrshire.gov.uk reported that the term began in August when Senior Singers participated in a singing day with The Cumnock Tryst, developing vocal skills and learning new repertoire before performing for parents and teachers. The singers later performed alongside the Festival Chorus and The Wallace Collection at The Cumnock Tryst Festival.
Young musicians from Lainshaw and Dunlop Primary Schools attended a free Royal Scottish National Orchestra performance of The Adventures of Yoyo at Stewarton Area Centre, introducing pupils to live orchestral music through storytelling. The East Ayrshire Jazz Band opened the Music Education Partnership Conference with a programme including Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and Caravan.
Piping Instructor Chris Armstrong won the Silver Star Former Winners’ MSR at the Northern Meeting Piping Competition, securing an invitation to the Glenfiddich Piping Championship. Younger musicians also performed with the West of Scotland Schools Training Band and String Orchestra at Glasgow City Halls following residential courses. Applications for next year’s courses are open for pupils at Grade 3 standard and above, with grants available to support East Ayrshire participants.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will bring its Big Ears, Little Ears concert series to Cumnock Town Hall on Saturday 24 October, sponsored by the Instrumental Music Service and designed for children under five.
For more information, visit newsroom.east-ayrshire.gov.uk.