Author: Mr Bryans

The South Lanarkshire Schools (SLS) Brass Ensemble have returned home with their heads held high following an inspiring performance at the Scottish Young Musician of the Year Ensemble finals.

Held at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the competition saw the newly formed group take the stage alongside ensembles from across the country. While the ensemble did not take home a prize this time, their presence in the final round marks a milestone for South Lanarkshire Council’s IMS.

Making it to the finals is a significant feat for any group, but for the SLS Brass Ensemble, it was particularly special. This ensemble was only formed this year, and it was the group’s first-ever entry into the competition after navigating the opening auditions and securing their spot in the final competition.

The group is made up of talented pupils from S1 to S6, representing high schools from across the entire local authority. Their rapid rise from a relatively new ensemble to national finalists is a remarkable achievement, and one that the IMS is very proud of.

While they didn’t walk away with a trophy, the ensemble has firmly put South Lanarkshire on the map for brass excellence. The IMS is already looking forward to building on this momentum. The future is bright for Brass in South Lanarkshire Council.

The rafters of the historic Rutherglen Town Hall rang out with the sounds of brass and rhythm this week as the South Lanarkshire School Big Band made its highly anticipated return for their annual headline concert. Delivering a programme of jazz, swing, and soul, the ensemble proved once again why this event has become a definitive highlight of the Instrumental Music Service (IMS) calendar.

The programme featured a difficult selection of repertoire, from swing standards to soul classics, executed with a level of musicianship and flair that belied the performers’ ages. Singers Laurel and Lucy brought the house down and the range and quality of soloists from this young band was simply outstanding. The calibre of the performance seems to reach new heights every year.

The Big band were delighted to invite pupils from Newton Farm Primary School onto the stage for a special joint performance. The collaboration is essential for the IMS and highlights the “full circle” nature of music education in South Lanarkshire, allowing the primary pupils to perform alongside their older peers.

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.