S5 pupil Gregor had a fantastic trip to London recently, organised by the Scottish Young Musicians competition. The trip was his prize for winning top percussionist at the Scottish Young Musicians final earlier this year.
As part of his prize, Gregor enjoyed a trip to the percussion department at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where he had a lesson with head of percussion Calum Huggan and drum-kit teacher Matt French. Gregor was also given a guided tour of the building by students and played alongside students in the percussion ensemble. This experience has given Gregor a lot to think about as he plans his future music education. Congratulations, Gregor!
We are looking for pupils from S4 – S6 to represent Stewarton Academy in the instrumental and vocal categories of the District (Kilmarnock) Final of the Rotary Young Musician Competition. You will be competing against pupils from other Kilmarnock schools and the winner of the District Final would then progress to the Cluster (West of Scotland) Final – this usually takes place in Glasgow (place, date and time TBC).
The District competition takes place on Monday 24th November at 19.00 in Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock. On the night, you will perform two contrasting pieces and your overall performance time should not exceed 13 minutes.
If necessary, we will hold auditions in school week beginning Monday 3rd November in order to select one instrumentalist and one vocalist to represent Stewarton Academy on the night.
Applications are now open for joining Scotland’s National Youth Choirs in 2026. Speak to your Music teacher for more information, and click here to apply.
Six of our senior music pupils participated in the Three Ayrshires Choral Day as part of the The Cumnock Tryst Festival last Thursday, 2nd October.
Duncan S, Ebony S, Isla T, Isabelle S, Winnie D and Jess B spent the day rehearsing three new pieces of music with pupils from secondary schools across Ayrshire. They then showcased their work at a public performance, the first of this year’s festival.
Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience of singing together with new people, working with expert vocal leaders and bringing new music to life. Well done to all!
Senior Phase music pupils attended Ayr Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon for a performance by Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
The event was designed to demonstrate some of the key aspects of the courses that young people are studying in class. They were treated to music by Sibelius, Beethoven and local composer Jay Capperauld. The event explored the links between colour and sound through the condition synaesthesia and certainly helped pupils to consider new and creative ways of composing their pieces of music in school this year.
Massive congratulations to Gregor C. in S4 who participated in the final of the prestigious Scottish Young Musician final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 25th May.
Finalists represented each of Scotland’s 32 local council areas, with Gregor representing East Ayrshire after winning the East Ayrshire Young Musician Competition last month.
Gregor performed Ney Rosauro’s marimba concerto, demonstrating the virtuosic qualities of the instrument in this jazzy, Brazilian influenced work. His performance was clearly well-received by the judges, who selected him as the winner of the percussion category. Congratulations Gregor on this wonderful achievement!
