Riverside Youth Band members go for gold at Awards Night

Talented Inverclyde musicians have tasted success before dancing the night away at Riverside Youth Band’s second annual Awards Night.

The recent ceremony in St John’s Hall, Port Glasgow, was attended by members, parents and supporters, with prizes presented by Mark Good, musical director, for members’ musical and social contributions throughout the year. Everyone then took to the floor for a ceilidh and dance led by local function band, Flung Aboot.

Riverside Youth Band's prizewinners are pictured with MD Mark Good, centre, and chairman Duncan Galbraith, far right

Duncan Galbraith, chairman of Riverside Youth Band, which is the three-time Scottish youth champion, said: "The young members of Riverside Youth Band have spent the year rehearsing and performing in concerts, competitions and masterclasses near and far so it was lovely to bring everyone together to celebrate and reflect upon their achievements."

“After all their hard work, members enjoyed letting their hair down and we are very grateful to everyone who supported the evening to make it so special for our young people. We would also like to thank Belhaven Dental Surgery for its support throughout the year.”

Retaining the Cathy Sinclair Memorial Trophy for Youth Band Bandsperson of the Year was cornet player and Port Glasgow High School pupil, Lucy McAlees, for her outstanding contribution as a band member and ambassador for the organisation.

Lucy McAlees, of Port Glasgow High School

The Clive Good Memorial Shield for Most Improved Player in the Youth Band was awarded to baritone player and Inverclyde Academy pupil, Siobhan Crumlish.

Most improved player, Siobhan Crumlish

Receiving the Training Band Bandsperson of the Year award was trombonist and Inverclyde Academy pupil, Rachel O'Connor.

Rachel O'Connor was named Training Band Bandsperson of the Year

Most Improved Player in the Training Band was won by fellow trombonist, Clydeview Academy pupil, Alex Jamieson.

Alex Jamieson, Most Improved Player in the Training Band.

The Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for performing excellence was retained by Clydeview Academy pupil and principal cornet player of Riverside Youth Band, Alan Hunter, for his winning performance in the band’s solo competition earlier in the year.

Clydeview Academy pupil, Alan Hunter

Meanwhile, the back row cornet team won Section of the Year with the third cornets also receiving the prize for funniest/best markings on their music.

Section of the Year, Riverside Youth Band's back row

The Awards Night rounded off a busy year for Riverside Youth Band, coming soon after its summer concert in Port Glasgow Community Campus.

Riverside is keen to welcome new members to its Training and Youth Bands. There is no audition required and instruments can be provided by the band, which was the 2017 Greenock Telegraph Live Music Community Champion.

More information is available by emailing secretary@riversideyouthband.co.uk, calling 07455-323874 or searching for Riverside Youth Band on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

(All images are courtesy of William Johnston Photography)