19 April 2019

National recognition for three Aberdeenshire school concert bands

Three Aberdeenshire school concert bands received awards at the National Finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival.

Portlethen Academy Concert Band, conducted by Sarah Gove, received the Gold Plus Award. Gold Awards were given to the Mackie Academy Concert Band, also conducted by Sarah Gove, and South Central Aberdeenshire Youth Concert Band conducted by Bruce Wallace.

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “Once again pupils from Aberdeenshire schools have been honoured for their musical talents at the National Finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival. I would like to thank the hard work and dedication shown by not only the pupils themselves but also the teachers and staff who have played a key role in these school concert bands being given these prestigious awards.”

Committee vice chair Cllr Mark Findlater said: “This is a fantastic achievement which pupils, teachers, staff and parents can rightly feel proud. I would like to pass my congratulations on to all involved.”

Justin Brook, Aberdeenshire Council’s Instrumental Music Manager, said: “I would like to say how proud we are of all the musicians who took part in the festival to achieve these impressive results.”

The National Finals of the Scottish Concert Band were held at Perth Concert Hall with bands awarded Gold Award or higher invited to perform over the weekend of Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17. Bands who achieved the Silver or Silver Plus awards were requested to perform on Sunday, March 31.