Author: Mr Bryans

The SLC Percussion Ensemble made a triumphant return to the spotlight on March 13th, securing a fantastic result in the Glasgow Music Festival. The group is comprised of talented pupils from across South Lanarkshire, and they only began rehearsing in late 2025. In just a few short months, they have grown from strength to strength, with their progress culminating in a first place finish in their category in the music festival. This victory marks a fantastic achievement for the ensemble as they look to build on their success in the future.

Following the incredible momentum from the regional heats, we are thrilled to announce that the SLOS Senior Concert Band achieved the Platinum Award, the highest award presented, at the Scottish Concert Band Festival National Finals on Sunday the 15^th of March. 

This incredible achievement at Perth Concert Hall is an outstanding result for the pupils, showcasing the hard work, dedication and commitment of our young musicians. Despite the pressure of the national stage, the band delivered a truly remarkable performance that impressed the judges and audience alike. The bands commitment and dedication was evident in their honed performance, and their performance cements their status as one of the premier youth concert bands in Scotland. The Platinum Award signifies a performance of outstanding quality, musicality, and technical skill. We are immensely proud of every student for their hard work and passion throughout this entire journey.

This award winning ensemble will take to the stage at the upcoming SLOSconcert on Monday the 30th of March. It will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the band’s success and enjoy the music that earned them the Platinum award. We would like to extend our gratitude to the parents, carers, music department, head teachers, and instrumental music teachers who help our incredible young musicians shine.

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