East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service gets off to a flying start

From inspiring workshops and concerts to national ensemble performances, community events and prestigious competition success, they have been showcasing the remarkable talent, dedication and enthusiasm that make music such a vibrant part of life across East Ayrshire.

The new term began on a high note in August when the Senior Singers took part in a singing day with The Cumnock Tryst. Working alongside experienced musical leaders and fellow young performers, pupils developed their vocal skills, learned new repertoire and gained valuable ensemble experience.

Their hard work culminated in a sharing performance for parents and teachers at the end of the day, where they sounded fantastic and demonstrated the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to every opportunity.

Since August, the singers have also given a wonderful performance alongside the Festival Chorus and The Wallace Collection as part of The Cumnock Tryst Festival earlier this month.

At the end of August, some of East Ayrshire’s most accomplished young musicians performed with the West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra at Glasgow City Halls. The concert featured a challenging repertoire and provided an invaluable opportunity for pupils to perform alongside talented young musicians from across the west of Scotland.

In September, some of the youngest learners from Lainshaw and Dunlop Primary Schools enjoyed a memorable musical experience when they attended a free Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RNSO) performance of The Adventures of Yoyo at Stewarton Area Centre.

Through a captivating blend of storytelling and live orchestral music, pupils were introduced to themes of kindness, creativity, community and imagination while experiencing the excitement of a live performance.

The East Ayrshire Jazz Band then had the opportunity to proudly open the Music Education Partnership Conference, performing a varied programme featuring Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, Now's the Time and Caravan. The ensemble delivered a confident and polished performance that was warmly received by delegates and highlighted the outstanding musicianship being developed across our schools.

And on the very same day Piping Instructor Chris Armstrong won the prestigious Silver Star Former Winners' MSR at the Northern Meeting Piping Competition in Inverness. This was Chris's first victory in one of the most highly regarded non-invitational light music competitions in the piping world and has secured him an invitation to compete at the renowned Glenfiddich Piping Championship at Blair Castle on 31 October.

The same month some of East Ayrshire’s younger musicians performed with the West of Scotland Schools Training Band and String Orchestra at Glasgow City Halls following highly successful residential courses at Lendrick Muir and Ardentinny. These performances marked the culmination of weeks of intensive rehearsals and musical development. The standard of playing was exceptional, particularly given the challenging repertoire tackled by the ensembles, and every participant should be extremely proud of their achievements.

Participation in the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra programme offers our young musicians invaluable opportunities to work with expert tutors, perform at a high level and build lasting friendships with like-minded performers from across Scotland. Applications for next year's courses are now open for pupils performing at Grade 3 standard and above, and grants are available to support East Ayrshire participants. Anyone interested should speak to their instrumental instructor for more information.

Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People said: “It is hard to know where to start with all this incredible music news. The Instrumental Music Service team have managed to fit so much into the first few weeks of the new term it is testament to their commitment to music and to our children and young people who are shining at every new opportunity.

“I would like to offer warm congratulations to Piping instructor Chris Armstrong and wish him every success at the Glenfiddich Piping Championship. Chris and his pipers have been in high demand recently and I have had the pleasure of hearing them perform at several important events including the World Burns Federation Conference in Kilmarnock and Merchant Nay Day. Their professionalism, musical excellence and commitment have made them wonderful ambassadors for both their schools and the wider East Ayrshire community.”

Dr Julie Carrie, Music Service Manager said: “The breadth and variety of activity undertaken in just the opening weeks of the school session highlights the exceptional work of the East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service. Whether introducing children to orchestral music for the very first time, providing opportunities to sing and perform, supporting participation in national ensembles, celebrating success at the highest levels of piping, or representing East Ayrshire at important community events, our pupils and instructors continue to achieve remarkable things.

“We are immensely proud of all our young people and grateful to our dedicated team of instructors whose expertise, encouragement and commitment make these opportunities possible. Together, they have given the new school year an outstanding start, and we look forward to many more musical successes in the months ahead.”

And finally, one for the diary - on Saturday 24 October, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will bring its popular Big Ears, Little Ears concert series to Cumnock Town Hall.

The East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service is sponsoring the free event, which has been developed in partnership with Starcatchers, Scotland's Arts and Early Years organisation.

Designed for children under five and their grown-ups, these relaxed and interactive performances provide playful, multi-sensory introductions to live orchestral music, giving our youngest music lovers the opportunity to enjoy up-close and personal musical experiences.

Free tickets can be booked through The Cumnock Tryst website.