On Saturday 31 March, 25 young musicians from Kintyre represented Scotland in the finals of the National Concert Band Festival, held at the Royal Academy of Music in London. After a 13 hour bus journey on the Friday, and a good night’s sleep, the youngsters and their conductor Katy Welch, took to the stage on Saturday morning and wowed the judges with their controlled ensemble playing and fine soloists.
With a programme which included a selection of hits from The Lion King, and an outstanding performance from 10-year old tuba player Archie McVicar of Tuba Smarties, the band received great ovation from the audience.
The trip itself, and the opportunity to perform at such a prestigious event, was a great experience for the young band. Being the only band in their section to gain a coveted Gold Award was the “icing on the cake”, and was a fitting reward for all the hard work the players, helpers, parents and their conductor had put in over the past months. For the first time since 1989, a school windband from Argyll had become National Champions.
Well done all – a great achievement – its worth all the hard work.
A great achievement for the band and their conductor. Not just secondary pupils – primary too. Well done to you all.