Young West Lothian musicians shine at festival

Nov 12 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

HUNDREDS of young musicians from across West Lothian have been celebrating winning five major awards at the Scottish Regional Final of the National Concert Band Festival.

More than 240 pupils and teachers from five different West Lothian bands took part in the final.

Platinum awards were made to West Calder High School Wind Band, conducted by Mark Traynor, and the West Lothian Schools Big Band, directed by Stuart French.

Both The James Young High School Wind Band (conductor Jennifer Stewart) and the West Lothian Schools Wind Ensemble (conductor Camille Mason) earned Gold Awards and Deans Community High School Wind Band, conducted by Carolyn Scobie, collected a Silver Award.

As well as his band’s achievements, John Waters, S4 pupil at Whitburn Academy and baritone saxophone player with the West Lothian Schools Big Band, received the best soloist award in the Big Band class.

Jim Walker Executive Councillor for Culture and Leisure said: “I congratulate the Instrumental Music Service on these outstanding results which underline our reputation for having one of the most comprehensive and advanced Instrumental Music Services in the country. We are proud of our musical tradition in West Lothian and it is these young musicians who carry it forward into the future.

“These results come from countless hours of dedication, from the young musicians themselves, from their tutors and schools, and from parents and guardians.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate them all on their achievements and to wish the bands every success in the future”.

Each band winning a platinum award will take part in the 2010 National Concert Band Festival in Birmingham and gold award winning bands may also be invited to take part in the festival.