Category: News

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!

On Saturday the 6^th of December the South Lanarkshire Schools Big Band had the tremendous honour of performing at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. As families and young music-lovers made their way to hear the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Children’s Classics concert, they were greeted with an extra performance courtesy of this exceptional ensemble.

The big band are a welcome addition to the RSNO festive programme and the band always set the tone for an exciting afternoon of music. Their lively set featured a blend of classic swing, jazz standards, and pop and soul favourites. This impressive programme showcased the bands musical versatility and the high standard of musicianship across South Lanarkshire schools. The band were fortunate to accompany St John Ogilvie High School pupil Laurel who took to the microphone with her confident vocals.

There are few school big bands in the country capable of delivering such a varied and demanding programme with this level of musicality and professionalism. The performance was not only a wonderful curtain-raiser for the RSNO concert but a celebration of the dedication of the students, their instrumental music teachers, and the wider South Lanarkshire music community.

The South Lanarkshire Schools Big Band continue to set the bar high—Saturday’s concert was yet another reminder of the incredible opportunities and exceptional talent thriving in South Lanarkshire schools.

Sunday 2nd November, The Town House, Hamilton

The annual Festival of Remembrance took place on Sunday 2nd November at The Town House, Hamilton, bringing together members of the community to honour and remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

This year’s service featured outstanding performances from children and young people representing schools across South Lanarkshire. The South Lanarkshire Schools’ WEE Big Band was honoured to be invited by organiser Rev Ross Blackman to perform for an audience including past and present members of the armed forces. The SLS WEE Big Band is a compact offshoot of the main SLS Big Band, performing the same jazz and swing repertoire with a more intimate, nuanced approach. The WEE Big Band features a smaller lineup but it still delivers the big band experience!

The young musicians gave an exceptional performance, reflecting their talent, dedication, and commitment to service. By volunteering their time to contribute to such a significant civic occasion, these pupils demonstrated the values of responsibility, respect, and community engagement.

Participation in events of this nature plays a vital role in helping young people to develop wider life and employability skills, including teamwork, confidence, and leadership. Such experiences also strengthen pathways into further and higher education while fostering a lifelong appreciation for civic duty and cultural contribution.

The event was a memorable and meaningful occasion, and the young people valued the opportunity to share their music, connect with the wider community, and represent their schools and the authority with pride.