Young musician skills showcased in Riverside solo festival

Riverside Youth Band has held its ninth annual solo festival which saw more than 20 young people showcase their brass and percussion skills in front of a packed audience of family members and supporters. 

Accompanist Claire Haslin performed with the young players as they vied to impress adjudicator Lorne Cowieson.

The Senior solo class was won by trombonist Annie Jones (St Stephen’s High) ahead of cornet player Bramble Kane (Notre Dame) in second, with trombonists Cameron Mitchell (Inverclyde Academy) and Scott Smith third equal.

In the Intermediate category, tuba player Aaron Arthur (Port Glasgow High) won, ahead of fellow tuba player Callum McCowan (St Stephen’s High) in second and baritone player Cameron Mitchell in third.

The Junior section was won by flugelhorn player Logan Mitchell (Aileymill Primary) ahead of tenor horn player Callum Good (Ardgowan Primary) in second.

The Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for performing excellence was awarded to Aaron Arthur (cover photo).

Members of the Riverside Rookies provided a short performance prior to the results. 

Reflecting on the event, Mark Good, RYB musical director, said: “We enjoyed a wonderful morning at our latest Riverside Youth Band solo festival, with something to enjoy in every single performance - and the youngest performer was just six-years-old.

“I have lots of respect for the commitment, perseverance and sheer grit involved in bringing a solo performance to the stage and our young musicians demonstrated those qualities in spades.”

The solo festival came during a busy period for members of Riverside Youth Band. They recently brought home Platinum and Gold-Plus awards from the Scottish Concert Band Festival.

Members also performed in a Sunday afternoon concert at Lyle Kirk in Greenock, before members provided music to accompany worship at the Easter sunrise service in Port Glasgow New Parish Church.

Full results

Senior class: 1) Annie Jones, Gold; 2) Bramble Kane, Gold; 3=) Scott Smith, Silver; 3=) Cameron Mitchell, Silver; Struan Hewitt, Silver; Kirsten Maclean, Silver; Robyn Davidson, Silver.

Intermediate class: 1) Aaron Arthur, Gold; 2) Callum McCowan, Silver; 3) Cameron Mitchell, Silver; Logan Nixon, Silver; Isla Anderson, Silver; Sophie Doig, Silver; Stuart Smith, Silver; Lucy Pelling, Bronze; Sienna Harrison, Bronze; Becca Stewart, Bronze.

Junior class: 1) Logan Mitchell, Gold; 2) Callum Good, Silver; Daniel Marshall, Silver; Christian Adams, Bronze.

Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy: Aaron Arthur.