Spring Spectacular showcased musical talent
170 young people took part in this year's Schools’ Spring Spectacular Concert, which showcases star performances by talented young musicians from schools across East Ayrshire.
Hosted at Kilmarnock’s Grange Academy, the popular concert opened in rousing style with the East Ayrshire Pipe Band, which featured the Kilmarnock Schools Pipe Band and The Robert Burns Academy Pipe Band. They performed Scotland the Brave, The Rowan Tree and Bonnie Gallowa’. The East Ayrshire Percussion Ensemble performed music from The Simpsons and Bettlejuice; then the East Ayrshire String Orchestra played The Gathering and Capriol Suite. The East Ayrshire Choir sang ‘I’m in the mood for dancing’, ‘Love in any language’ and ‘Don’t stop believing’ before the Interval with East Ayrshire Concert Band restarting proceedings with two incredible performances. The Grand Finale featured all the performers in a wonderful performance of Amazing Grace.
Julie Carrie, Acting Music Service Manager said: “I would like to thank all of our audience members for coming along and supporting our young musicians as we returned to our first live Spring Concert in three years.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Head of Education, Linda McAulay-Griffiths and Julie Hope, Depute Head of Education for their on-going support to the East Ayrshire Music Service.
“The evening would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our fantastic music instructors and teachers. My huge thanks to them for the support and encouragement they have shown the young people.
“Finally, I would like to congratulate the hard work and dedication of the young people performing and I hope that they enjoyed performing for a live audience again.”
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, Education and Skills and Culture said: “The concert was a wonderful way to celebrate the immense talent, commitment and performance of each and every one of our young performers. Music is powerful. It can express love, rebellion, heritage, it can bring people together, and unlock memories for people living with dementia.
“Giving our young people the opportunity to learn an instrument, to sing and to perform is such a gift to them and to their audience. I would like to thank Julie Carrie and everyone involved in the East Ayrshire Music Service for teaching and encouraging our young people and to our parents and carers who must have felt incredibly proud.”