Schools celebrate Gala Concert 2018 in fine style
More than 400 pupils have taken part in this year's Schools Gala Concert, which showcases star performances by talented young musicians from schools across East Ayrshire.
Hosted at Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall, the annual Instrumental extravaganza welcomed performances from Primary Choirs, Concert Bands, Vocal Groups, a massed primary wind band of over 100 young musicians, a Steel Pan Orchestra and String Ensembles and a primary Guitar Ensemble.
The Concert builds on the successes enjoyed by the schools Instrumental Services Team, which saw pupils taking part in concerts at the Spring Spectacular and being invited back to close the internationally acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the Kilmarnock Schools Pipe Band for the second year in a row.
In addition, pupils also worked with composer Sir James Macmillan at the Cumnock Tryst on a homage to World War One – The Cumnock Chronicles - which was featured in a special broadcast by Channel 4 News.
That work culminated in a special creative project which was a highlight of the Tryst and involved the Edinburgh Quartet, composer Jennifer Martin, ballet dancers and young composers from the local Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “It’s fantastic that we have so many wonderfully talented young musicians in East Ayrshire, all actively engaged in a cultural and leisure activity they so clearly love.
“The Schools Gala Concert continues to grow in popularity and is now well-established as the premier events for schools music in East Ayrshire – an event that continues to give so many others so much pleasure and enjoyment.
“It is a shining example of how teamwork and collaboration combine to make something great truly fantastic and this year’s event is no exception.”
Alan Friel, East Ayrshire Council’s Instrument Services Manager added: “Every year, the annual Gala Concert gives our pupils the perfect platform to show their skills and talents to a big and appreciative audience.
“Every pupil taking to the stage will have spent months working and practicing their knowledge and skills and every year, I continue to be proud and humbled by how well they work together, learning, sharing and co-operating as the concert takes shape.
“In addition to our incredible pupils, we also have a hard working and dedicated team of Instrumental Instructors, who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to support, encourage and help our young musicians.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone for all their hard work in making the 2018 Gala Concert one of the best we’ve ever produced.”
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