Riverside to hold taster day

YOUNGSTERS from Inverclyde and the surrounding area have been invited to give brass playing a try at an upcoming taster day.

The Riverside Youth Band (RYB) is holding the event on Saturday, August 29, where children of all abilities are welcome. Youngsters looking to learn brass or percussion can come along to hear members of the band in action before trying some instruments. There will also be an opportunity to chat with existing players to find out more about being part of the ensemble.

Established in 2012, RYB is conducted by Mark Good, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The organisation aims to help young brass and percussionists thrive by performing a wide range of repertoire at concerts and competitions across the country. Regularly enjoying success at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships, RYB performed in a sell-out concert in Glasgow's City Halls in aid of Yorkhill Children's Charity in 2014 alongside X-Factor star Nicholas McDonald.

Trombone player Adam Richardson, of Greenock, said: "The band is a wonderful thing to be a part of. It's like being part of your own special family.

"This is one of many things young people can choose to do outside school so it's wonderful that they choose to come here to take part in some terrific music making while having fun at the same time."

The 20-year-old added: "Not only does it help develop their brass or percussion playing, being part of the band helps hone social skills which are transferable to many walks of life. I can't recommend it highly enough."

Elizabeth McInnes joined RYB on percussion in 2014. The 11-year-old, of Gourock, commented: "It's really good and I'm learning a lot. I've made a lot of friends here who I wouldn't have known otherwise.

"I've been able to go to lots of different places to play in some really cool concert halls and I do it all as part of a team, which is great."

The taster day is due to take place in St John's Church Hall, Port Glasgow, from 1pm until 2pm before moving to Kilmacolm Old Kirk, Kilmacolm, from 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Admission is free.

More information is available by finding the band on Facebook and Twitter or by logging on to the Riverside Youth Band website.