Riverside’s young musicians showcase their soloist skills

Talented young brass musicians from across Inverclyde have excelled as they took part in Riverside Youth Band's seventh Annual Solo Festival.

The event in Port Glasgow Salvation Army saw 22 members of Riverside Youth Band taking part, performing their solo pieces in front of fellow members, along with proud parents and supporters.

Offering valuable feedback to the performers was adjudicator Gareth Bowman. The accompanist was Christopher Baxter.

The winner of the Senior Solo class was principal cornetist, Ash Paton, with a performance of Goedicke's Concert Etude, ahead of Andrea Crumlish in second and Lillie McCluskie in third. Ash was also awarded the Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Performance, in memory of the much-missed Inverclyde bandsman.

In the Intermediate Solos, cornetist Kyle Baxter (Notre Dame) came first with Hot on the Line, with Callum McCowan (St Francis Primary) in second and Bramble Kane (Notre Dame), Jake Sloan (St Patrick's) and Annie Jones (St Stephen's) in third equal.

The Junior Solos saw Sienna Harrison (Whinhill) come first playing music from Dvorak's New World Symphony, with Becca Stewart (St Francis) second and Cameron Mitchell (Inverclyde Academy) in third.

Reflecting on the day, Mark Good, musical director of Riverside Youth Band, commented: "I'm bursting with pride at all our young members, who performed with distinction. Putting yourself out there to perform a solo takes confidence, resilience and perseverance - skills which will be invaluable to these youngsters as they transfer them to other areas of their lives. 

"They all supported each other, listening to their performances and offering high-fives and hugs aplenty. They're a credit to their families, and to Inverclyde."

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: info@riversideyouthband.co.uk or call 07974 106888.

Full results:

Senior Solos: 1) Ash Paton, cornet (Gold); 2) Andrea Crumlish, tenor horn (Gold); 3) Lillie McCluskie, tenor horn (Gold); Scott Smith (Gold); Siobhan Crumlish (Gold); Struan Hewitt (Gold).

Intermediate Solos: 1) Kyle Baxter, cornet (Gold); 2) Callum McCowan, tuba (Gold); 3=) Bramble Kane, trumpet (Gold); 3=) Jake Sloan, trombone (Gold); 3=) Annie Jones, trombone (Gold); Sophie Doig, trombone (Gold); Logan Nixon, trombone (Gold); Chrystal Campbell, trumpet (Gold); Andrew Smith, trombone (Gold); Stuart Smith, baritone (Silver).

Junior Solos: 1) Sienna Harrison, cornet (Gold) [cover photo]; 2) Becca Stewart, cornet (Gold); 3) Cameron Mitchell, trombone (Gold); Aaron Arthur, tuba (Gold); Jessica Sloan, tuba (Silver); Logan Mitchell, flugelhorn (Silver).