NORTH Ayrshire Schools highly acclaimed Senior Concert Band has hit the right note once again – winning the platinum award at the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF).

Competing in the youth community wind band category, they won the prestigious title after giving a show-stopping 20 minute performance to renowned adjudicators at the festival’s regional heats in Edinburgh at the weekend.

The NCBF is the UK’s largest woodwind and big band festival. 

Regional heats are held throughout the country and only platinum winners then go on to compete in the national competition – taking place in Warwick next April.

And thanks to their outstanding performance, North Ayrshire Schools Senior Concert Band has secured its place at the national heats.

The band itself attracts pupils from across North Ayrshire’s secondary schools and participates in a variety of competitions.

Their win comes as a result of an extensive rehearsal schedule set by the Council’s Music Services Team. This preparation teamed with the pupils’ great determination and commitment to their chosen instrument makes them a force not to be reckoned with.

Irvine Times:

Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “These aspiring young musicians have once again shown what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and passion.

“It’s through great team effort from both the students and Music Services staff that we are consistently recognised among some of the UK’s best in this competition.

“We wish them the best of luck with their performance in Warwick next year.”

Mae Murray, Music Service Co-ordinator, said: “I could not be any more proud of this amazing group of young musicians. The amount of work they have put in to prepare for the competition has been exceptional. Their performance at the weekend was the perfect way to showcase all of that work.”

Musical Director Matthew Chinn has worked alongside the pupils in the run up to the competition. Speaking about the band’s achievement, he said: “It’s always a real pleasure to work alongside both the students and staff.

“The young musicians consistently perform to the highest standard and Sunday was no exception. They each rose to the challenge of preparing and performing a demanding programme and they delivered it with real maturity, musicality and passion – resulting in the platinum award.

“They are a real credit to North Ayrshire and the Council’s fantastic Music Service.”