Author: Mr Bryans

Battle of the Bands 2026 was nothing short of extraordinary. Hamilton’s Townhouse provided the perfect stage as 14 South Lanarkshire schools came together to compete for this year’s coveted title.

With an audience of over 650, the venue was filled with energy and anticipation as more than 90 talented young musicians took to the stage. Their confidence and stage presence were truly impressive, particularly when you consider that some performers were as young as S3. The evening was a powerful reminder of the creativity, dedication and teamwork that music education fosters in our schools.

Each year the standard rises, and 2026 was no exception. Our young people demonstrated not only musical excellence, but resilience and courage, stepping outside their comfort zones and performing in front of a large live audience. Experiences like this help build lifelong skills in confidence, communication and self-belief.

To view highlights from each performance, including our flagship rock group – The South Lanarkshire Schools’ Rock Collective – please follow the link: IMS Battle of the Bands 2026 on X

Thank you to all staff, pupils and supporters who made this event such a resounding success. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to provide inspiring opportunities for our young people through music.

THE RESULTS:-

WINNERS

PEARL PEACHES from Larkhall Academy

OUTSTANDING INSTRUMENTALIST

Bassist from MONUMENT TALK, Aiden McCabe from Carluke High School

OUTSTANDING SINGER

Lead vocalist from SOUL PURPOSE, Lucy McConville from St Andrew’s & St Bride’s High School

January marks the launch of ‘IMS Pupil Spotlight,’ a brand-new series celebrating the young performers at the heart of the Instrumental Music Service (IMS). This initiative provides a platform for our students to showcase the incredible musical talent found throughout the authority.

Each spotlight features pupils from across our learning communities sharing the personal impact of music on their school lives. They discuss not only their musical growth but also how music has built the confidence and skills that enhance their overall education. Series 1 consists of 16 episodes, which will be released weekly throughout the term.

Each episode concludes with a short performance across various instruments and disciplines, primarily ranging from ABRSM Grades 1–8. In addition to the videos, we will publish weekly profile articles featuring interviews with pupils from across South Lanarkshire Council (SLC). These profiles explore their musical journeys and how they plan to use these experiences to shape their future goals.

Catch every episode on our social media and YouTube channels:

• X (formerly Twitter): @MusicSLC
• YouTube: @southlanarkshiremusic7220

Please tune in and enjoy the wonderful talents of our young people—the beating heart of the IMS.

Following the success of the Town House Concert, we are thrilled to announce that the SLOS Senior Concert Band achieved the Platinum Award—the highest accolade possible—at the Scottish Concert Band Festival on Sunday, November 30th! This incredible achievement is a testament to the talent, dedication, and resilience of our young musicians. Despite encountering some last-minute logistical issues on the day, the band delivered a truly remarkable performance that captivated the judges and audience alike. Their commitment to excellence shone through, proving that they can rise above challenges and perform at the very highest level. The Platinum Award is not just a high mark; it signifies a performance of outstanding quality, musicality, and technical skill. We are immensely proud of every student for their hard work and passion.

By receiving the Platinum Award, the SLOS Senior Concert Band has earned the prestigious opportunity to compete in the National Finals!

The band will travel to Perth Concert Hall in March to showcase their talent on the national stage. This is an exciting journey and a well-deserved recognition of their status as one of the top youth concert bands in Scotland. We wish them all the very best as they prepare for this. We would like to extend our sincere and deepest gratitude to parents/carers, music department, head teachers, and instrumental music teachers who help our incredible young musicians flourish. Good Luck in Perth!

The Town House in Hamilton was buzzing with excitement on Monday, November 17th, as the South Lanarkshire Orchestral Society (SLOS) once again delivered a spectacular concert to a sold-out audience. The overwhelming support from the community, with all tickets snapped up well in advance, is a true testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of the young musicians.

The concert showcased the depth and breadth of musical skill being nurtured across South Lanarkshire, featuring magnificent performances from all five ensembles:

• Junior Concert Band
• Junior String Orchestra
• Intermediate Concert Band
• Senior String Orchestra
• Senior Concert Band

From the earliest stages of instrumental music lessons in the Junior ensembles to the polished, advanced repertoire of the Senior groups, the evening was a powerful demonstration of the students’, and their conductors’ and tutors’, hard work and passion. Each ensemble performed with enthusiasm and precision, drawing enthusiastic applause from the packed auditorium.

With this hugely successful Autumn concert now concluded, our talented pupils will pivot their focus to the forthcoming festive period. Many of these young instrumentalists will now concentrate their musical talents on contributing to their respective school Christmas Concerts, bringing seasonal cheer to their local communities.

The Society is now taking a well-deserved break, but rehearsals will resume in the New Year. Musicians should note that the regular Friday evening sessions will return to Uddingston Grammar School starting on Friday, January 16th.

Congratulations to all the conductors, tutors, parents, and, most importantly, the gifted pupils of the South Lanarkshire Orchestral Society on another unforgettable, sell-out performance!