Category: News

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.

The South Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service was delighted to take part in Provost Cooper’s annual Touch a Life Concert, which took place at Hamilton Town House on Saturday 25 October at 7.30pm.

The evening was a resounding success, bringing together pupils, families, and community partners for a truly uplifting celebration of music and generosity. Organised by Provost Cooper in aid of Sense Scotland and Guide Dogs for the Blind, the concert raised vital funds for causes that make a real difference across South Lanarkshire.

Hosted by much-loved local personalities Edward Reid and Michelle McManus, the concert featured fabulous performances from pupils of the South Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service, including:

• South Lanarkshire Schools’ (SLS) Big Band
• SLS Saxophone Ensemble
• SLS Choir
• SLS Primary Choir
• Duncanrig Secondary School Musical Theatre Group

Each ensemble delivered a polished, joyful performance that filled the auditorium with energy and pride. The pupils were highly commended by Provost Cooper and all who attended for their talent, enthusiasm, and professionalism throughout the evening.

A special mention goes to the children from Hunter Primary School and St Charles Primary School, who stayed up late to take part in the spectacular finale, performing alongside the award-winning community choir, Soundsational. Their joint performance was described as “simply sensational” and brought the concert to a thrilling close that earned a standing ovation.

Originally planned as three separate concerts, this event evolved into one magnificent extravaganza, a true showcase of the creativity and community spirit that defines South Lanarkshire.

Education Resources are immensely proud of all pupils and staff involved, and grateful to the Provost’s team and community partners for their support. The Touch a Life Concert was not only a musical triumph but also a powerful reminder of how music can unite, inspire, and most importantly…..touch lives.

A musical revolution is underway in South Lanarkshire! The newly formed South Lanarkshire Schools’ Saxophone Ensemble, a dynamic group of 25 talented young musicians, is making waves across Scotland.

The ensemble recently wowed audiences at the prestigious We Make Music Conference at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Their performance was a massive hit, generating a buzz of excitement and proving that collaboration across local schools creates incredible results.

But the biggest star of the show wasn’t a student—it was an instrument! The ensemble has acquired a magnificent bass saxophone, the only one of its kind in the whole of Scotland. This rare instrument is a game-changer, adding a rich, warm depth to the ensemble’s sound and inspiring young musicians to learn more about the saxophone family. The woodwind teachers of South Lanarkshire are equally thrilled, recognising the immense educational value of this unique acquisition.

As the only local authority schools’ saxophone ensemble in Scotland, the group is setting a new standard and hopes to inspire other woodwind communities across the country. Their next performance is at the Touch a Life Concert at Hamilton’s Townhouse on Saturday, October 25th.

For this trailblazing group, the sky’s the limit. Keep an eye on these rising stars—they are just getting started!

On Wednesday 3rd September the Instrumental Music Service were delighted to welcome the return of the IMS Vocal Day, which took place in the fantastic setting of Stonelaw Parish Church. The day featured 185 young vocalists from all South Lanarkshire’s secondary schools, working together to create a choir in a day. The day was led by former South Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service student Andy McTaggart. Andy lectures in Voice at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is a professional Baritone, singing across Great Britain and Ireland. Andy was assisted by 3 industry professionals who were there to cater for the range of voices from S4,5&6 singers.

The free and inclusive event was designed to support pupils progressing towards their SQA practical singing exam. Pupils grew in confidence throughout the day as they worked on vocal technique, developing the breath and honing performance skills. A rewarding byproduct of the day was witnessing the friendly social interaction between pupils who were meeting for the first time.

The atmosphere in the room was uplifting when the 185 strong choir commenced and the pupils were quickly in fine voice and learning the first song of the day, in Latin no less! This remarkable event showcased the depth and quality of singers we have across South Lanarkshire and, with the help of the professional choral team, the results were simply breath taking. The pupils were also captivated by a performance from the singers from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The day was a resounding success, culminating in a final performance to parents and carers. 

The IMS would like to extend our thanks to all the pupils in attendance for their hardwork, excellent attitude and exemplary work ethic. We would also like to thank all Secondary Schools for their logistical help in making the day possible for the pupils, Stonelaw Church for hosting the event and our team of professional singers for their expert guidance on the day.