Riverside awards night was opportunity to put best foot forward

The curtain came down on a busy year for Inverclyde's Riverside Youth Band as members put their best foot forward at the organisation's seventh annual awards night and ceilidh.

Players, their families and supporters flocked to the 68 Club in Port Glasgow where they enjoyed Riverside's awards ceremony before dancing the night away to the sound of the McHart Ceilidh Band.

Reflecting on the evening, Duncan Galbraith, chairman of Riverside Youth Band, said: "After a busy year, full of intensive rehearsals and performances, it was lovely for RYB members to be able to relax and celebrate their achievements together.

"Events like the awards night and ceilidh are a great way of continuing to foster the team spirit in the organisation, and it was lovely to see everyone popping on their dancing shoes and having fun as we rounded off a successful year."

Some of the Riverside Youth Band winners with their awards

This year a new scholarship was introduced to the organisation. The Raymond and Mary Thomson Bursary was donated by Raymond, a member of the band's management team, for members preparing to begin conservatoire studies in music, and was awarded to Andrea Crumlish (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and Rachel O'Connor (Royal Academy of Music).

The Cathie Sinclair Memorial Trophy for Youth Band bandsperson of the year was won by Scott Crumlish, Cathie's grandson. Winning the Clive Good Memorial Shield for most improved player in the Youth Band was Rebecca Marshall of Clydeview Academy.

In the Training Band, the John Lee Millar Memorial Trophy for bandsperson of the year was awarded to Callum McCowan (St Francis Primary) while the prize for most improved player in the Training Band was given to Annie Jones (St Stephens High School).

The Best Section award was presented to the back row cornet section in the Training Band, comprising Connie Hunter (Clydeview Academy), Bramble Kane (St Mary's Primary), Becca Stewart (St Francis Primary), Sienna Harrison (Whinhill Primary) and Millie Burns (St John's Primary).

Winning the award for best sight reader was Bramble Kane while the Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance was given to Stuart Smith, of Aileymill Primary School.

The prize for Rookie of the Year was presented to Daniel Marshall, of Newark Primary School, while the novelty award for best babysitter was given to Scott Crumlish.

Mark Good, musical director of Riverside Youth Band, said: "During the year, Riverside members work very hard and it's only right that we recognise their stellar musical achievements. 

"After the awards ceremony, it was straight on to the ceilidh and our youngsters were never off the dance floor, as they embraced every opportunity to celebrate together. It's testament to their hard work, and the warm, nurturing environment in the organisation that we were able to enjoy such a memorable evening together."

Riverside Youth Band rehearses in Port Glasgow New Parish Church on Friday afternoons, with more young brass and percussion players welcome to get involved. Contact Duncan Galbraith at info@riversideyouthband.co.uk or call 07974 106888.

After the awards ceremony it was time to take to the dance floor