Young musicians from Campbeltown Brass are scaling the heights after making it to the finals of a prestigious national competition.
The band’s junior members enjoyed success across several categories at the recent West of Scotland Area Solo and Ensemble Contest in Bellshill.
Up against strong competition, Campbeltown Brass swept the boards in the ensemble sections.
In the juniors, Campbeltown B’s Carla Renton, Alyssa McEachran, Grace Barr and Daania Ahmad were crowned winners, with Campbeltown A’s Amelie Ralston, Taylor Black, Lewis Smith, Maida Walker and Hope Hill runners-up.
In the intermediate ensembles, Campbeltown A’s Cara McFadzean, Emma Cook, Mae Barr and James Barr were the champions, with Campbeltown B’s Charlie Colville, Katrina Cook, Lewis Smith and James again, this time in second.
The band’s youngsters were also successful in the solo competitions, with Mae Barr crowned West of Scotland Champion after winning the intermediate solos section, where Cara McFadzean finished fourth.
And in the junior solo competitions, Lewis Smith placed second, with Hope Hill in third.
All these musicians have now qualified for the Scottish finals on March 23.
Conductor Katrina Barr said: "We had 12 soloists and four ensembles taking part and they all played tremendously well. We are so proud of every single player who took to the stage.”
The community will have a chance to hear some of the talented young musicians at the first of the band’s new ‘Let The Music Play’ evenings next month.
Although the initiative is being launched by Campbeltown Brass, the recitals will feature music from many different genres.
The evenings will be held four times a year, with a featured guest performer, a professional in their field, invited to play at each.
The first guest will be singer Rebecca Watson Hill, with international concert pianist Catherine Nardiello booked for the winter recital.
The opening event will be held in Kirk Street Hall on March 1 and will feature brass soloists and ensembles, performances from members of Kintyre Schools Pipe Band, a Campbeltown Grammar School vocal group and other artists.
Entry is by donation and includes a glass of wine or tea/coffee, with the proceeds being reinvested into bringing more professional musicians to Campbeltown.
Katrina added: “The idea behind it is to give the musicians of Campbeltown a place to perform in a non-competitive setting and to showcase how good they are.
“We are also aiming to bring many more professional musicians here to show the youngsters what is possible.”
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