The members of Lochgilphead HS Wind Band travelled to Livingston on Sunday 2nd December to take part, for the very first time, in the Scottish Schools Concert Band Festival. The band played four pieces including an Abba melody and got a great reception from the audience. Miriam McKay, the band’s musical director was given particular praise from the adjudicators for her choice of repertoire and balance of parts within the band. The members of the band have been practising since before the summer break for this festival and have now jelled into a supportive team with members from S1 to S6 taking part. Although the other schools, from the West of Scotland, that the band were competing against had significantly more players in depth, this did not phase the Lochgilphead kids who greatly impressed the adjudicators with their playing and awarded them a SILVER PLUS status. Miss McKay, the band members and parents were delighted with this success on the very first attempt and this will. no doubt, spur the band onto even greater achievements in the year to come. Hopefully other young musicians will be inspired to join this wonderful group.