Celebration time for Riverside Youth Band at Awards Night

TALENTED young musicians from Riverside Youth Band have hit the right note at the Inverclyde organisation's Third Annual Awards Night.

Band members were joined by parents and supporters for the recent awards bash in St John’s Hall, Port Glasgow, before dancing the night away to local function band Flung Aboot.

The evening rounded off a busy summer term – and a successful year – for Riverside, which included retaining its Scottish youth championship title, success at Inverclyde Music Festival as well as concerts and performances all over Inverclyde.

Duncan Galbraith, chairman of Riverside Youth Band, said: “Riverside members have excelled themselves during the course of the year and our Awards Night was the perfect opportunity to celebrate their achievements.

“Young people are often criticised for taking the wrong path and falling into a downward spiral. What we see on a Friday night couldn’t be further from that as our members learn how to work together and to communicate effectively with each other. They learn about commitment and persistence but most of all, they make music together and just have fun. Thanks to Belhaven Dental Surgery and Inverclyde Council for supporting them during the course of the year."

Winning the Cathy Sinclair Memorial Trophy for Youth Band Bandsperson of the Year for the third year in a row was cornet player and Port Glasgow High School pupil, Lucy McAlees, for her outstanding contribution to the musical and social life of the organisation as well as her work as an ambassador for the band.

The Clive Good Memorial Shield for Most Improved Player in the Youth Band was awarded to percussionist, Abbie Murphy.

Receiving the Training Band Bandsperson of the Year award was cornetist and Rashielea Primary pupil, Angus Paton. Most Improved Player in the Training Band was won by tuba player and Trinity High School pupil, Ewan Galloway.

The Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for performing excellence was won by St Stephen’s High School pupil, Holly Callaghan, for her outstanding performance in the band’s solo competition earlier in the year.

Taking home the award for Best Sightreader was Inverclyde Academy pupil, Scott Crumlish.

The trombone section was named Section of the Year and the Go Big or Go Home prize for leading by example was given to Mark Gammon, of Port Glasgow High School.

Mark Good, musical director of Riverside Youth Band, said: “Congratulations to all our award winners for coming out on top in some very tightly fought categories. At a time when young people’s lives seem to be busier than ever, it really impresses me that Riverside members dedicate the time each week to come to band rehearsals.

“Being part of a band is a vital part of a young musician’s development, offering musical and social experiences they just won’t receive cooped up by themselves, and I’m grateful to them for their commitment, musicality and infectious enthusiasm for everything they do.”

Spaces are now open for new players to join the band, regardless of ability or experience. Rehearsals take place on Friday afternoons and instruments are available so there is no expensive outlay. Anyone keen to get in touch should call Duncan Galbraith on 07974 106 888 or email chairman@riversideyouthband.co.uk

Photograhs by William Johnston Photography