Highland Young Musicians end year on a high note

After a weekend of intensive rehearsals and performance, five of Highland's most talented young musicians took part in the annual Highland Young Musician of the Year competition. The judge's decision awarded violinist Emma Donald from Dingwall Academy the top prize and Richardson Trophy for Musical Excellence with Millburn Academy's Hector Waudby-West being placed as runner-up for his performance on the double bass. The 'Most Promising Talent' award was given to Peter Thornton, a trombone playing pupil also from Dingwall Academy.

During the prize giving ceremony The Highland Council's Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton paid tribute to the dedication of the performers and acknowledged the support of all those involved in supporting their musical education and development. The event was held at, and generously sponsored by, The Drumossie Hotel, Inverness with support from The Highland Council and Friends of Highland Young Musicians. Norman also thanked the judges for creating a relaxed and supportive atmosphere throughout the day, an important element of this particular competition.

The judges were Dr. Pete Stollery, Head of Music at Aberdeen University, Jennifer Martin, composer and freelance music educator and Adam Mackenzie originally from Tain who is now Director of Education with the English Sinfonia and freelance Bassoonist. In their closing remarks, they commented on how impressed they had been at the high standard of musicianship shown by all the participants throughout the day.

A similar high standard of performance was also evident on Saturday at the first Highland School's 'Get Noticed' battle of the bands. This event was run by The Highland Council's Music Development Officer in collaboration with CBand.com and Thunder InThe Glen.

Many members of the Dunedin Chapter of the Harley Davidson Society had travelled north for the event and were involved in the judging. The Lost from Grantown Grammar School were voted the winners and their prize is a 45 minute gig at August's Thunder In The Glen event in Aviemore as well as a days recording at Strathsound studio.

Norman Bolton said: "As a Council we offer opportunities for as many musical genres as possible and this event proved to be yet another example of the high quality events we can produce. The bands were all very well prepared and professional in their approach to the day. The overall winners, The Lost, from Grantown Grammar, had an incredibly tight sound and stage presence. The six members were delighted to be winners and I'm sure they will impress the crowds at Thunder in the Glen. I have no doubt that Connor Traill, Daniel King, Ross Elder, David Birtles, Callum Woolsey and Calum Forwood will also have a great experience in the studio where they hope to record a number of covers and original tracks."