Stranraer Brass ensemble wins inaugural online competition

After an online competition which attracted entries from across the country, an ensemble from Stranraer Brass has won the inaugural Scottish Young Musicians Brass Ensemble of the Year.

The young players – Sophie Hall, Lewis Miller, Keir Halliday, Aidan Miller and Pippa Stirling – have won a sculpture by Alexander Stoddart of the Maid of Morven playing the clarsach, £750 to be spent on ensemble music-related activities, and an all-expenses paid trip to play a prime slot at the Solo Performer of the Year final at the Royal Conservatoire on Sunday 29 May, where the other prizes will be awarded

In an event in which the standard of all participants was extremely high, the runners-up were East Lothian Schools Brass Ensemble and Perth High School Brass Ensemble.

The majority of local authorities across Scotland are also currently taking part in the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year, a new music competition launched by the Music Education Partnership Group. More information is available from www.scottishyoungmusicians.com