TALENTED young Inverclyde musicians were in the spotlight at Riverside Youth Band’s fifth annual solo competition.
The event featured 20 performances from band members as they showcased their brass and percussion playing talents, alongside accompanist Kristine Donnan, in front of adjudicator and renowned brass musician, Alan Fernie, as well as their peers and family members.
Held in Port Glasgow Salvation Army hall, the competition saw Riverside players of all levels of experience taking part across various categories.
The junior class was won by C Marshall, on glockenspiel, playing In the Hall of the Mountain King, while the intermediate section was won by cornetist Gus Paton.
Taking the honours in the senior solo class was tenor horn player and Inverclyde Academy pupil, Andrea Crumlish, who dazzled in Peter Kneale’s Variations on a Welsh Theme.
Also dished out at the competition was the Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance, given to a player across any of the day’s events -– it was won by Gus Paton, following his impressive rendition of traditional solo The Ash Grove.
Reflecting on the day, Riverside Youth Band musical director Mark Good said: “Playing a solo is a great way to develop as a musician and a person. Sticking one’s head above the parapet is not always easy but it’s an excellent learning experience and a great way to broaden someone’s comfort zone.
“To see 20 solo performances was a delight and is testament to the commitment and resilience of everyone who took to the stage. I’m extremely proud of them.”
Riverside’s solo competition came following a busy period for the band, which currently boasts members from Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire. The previous weekend, the band took to the stage at Lyle Kirk in Union Street, Greenock, for a well-supported Sunday afternoon concert.
Riverside is now looking forward to its summer concert, at which it plans to mark its tenth anniversary.
Duncan Galbraith, chairman of Riverside Youth Band, said: “Following the challenges of the pandemic, it’s been wonderful for Riverside Youth Band to return to live performances and engagements.
“This year is particularly special as the organisation marks its tenth anniversary, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to our summer concert as we plan to celebrate in style.”
Riverside Youth Band continues to welcome new members to its ranks. Anyone learning –- or keen to learn -– a brass or percussion instrument is welcome to get involved, by emailing info@riversideyouthband.co.uk.
Solo competition results:
Junior solos: Winner: C Marshall, glockenspiel, gold; Andrew Smith, trombone, gold; R Marshall, cornet, silver; Ajai Wilson, cornet, silver.
Intermediate solos: Winner: Gus Paton, cornet, gold; Second: Hannah McInnes, bass trombone, gold; Third: Scott Smith, trombone, gold; Scott Crumlish, bass trombone, gold; Struan Hewitt, trombone, silver; Alex Jamieson, trombone, silver; Katie Livingstone, flugel, silver; Hannah Martin, bass trombone, silver; Anna-Stella Seidl, trombone, bronze; Megan Taylor, tenor horn, bronze.
Senior solos: Winner: Andrea Crumlish, tenor horn, gold; Second: Libby Hunter, French horn, gold; Third: Gregor Hewitt, cornet, gold; Matthew Deegan, trombone, silver; Rachel O’Connor, trombone, silver.
Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance: Gus Paton.
