Tuba virtuoso Les Neish is set to inspire the next generation of young performers with the Riverside Youth Band.

The Besson Artist will lead a morning of workshops in the band's hometown of Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, as the reigning Scottish Youth Novice Champion seeks to recruit its latest intake of players to its flourishing setup.

Workshops and concert

The event on Saturday, October 22nd, will culminate in a concert featuring Les as a guest soloist with Riverside Youth Band and Renfrew Burgh Band, conducted by Mark Good.

Looking forward

Les told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to working with the next generation of youngsters at the 'Come & Play' Open Day.

Learning to play a brass or percussion instrument brings enormous benefits to a youngster's development and rehearsals offer a fun environment for them to enjoy their music making. I look forward to what is shaping up to be a great day."

World premiere

The evening concert will also see Riverside Youth Band perform the world premiere of a work which celebrates Inverclyde's proud shipbuilding history.

Penned specially for the band by Alan Fernie, 'Clydebuilt' brings the shipyards to life — from the heavy industrial sounds of construction to the eventual maiden voyage.

Heritage

Riverside Youth MD Mark Good added: "The River Clyde and its rich shipbuilding heritage forms part of the fabric of Inverclyde, and remains of great importance to the area today.

We were delighted to be able to commission Alan to compose a piece celebrating the industry for which Inverclyde has become world famous, and we look forward to performing it as part of what is shaping up to be a terrific evening featuring Les Neish."

The workshop is open to youngsters from Inverclyde and the surrounding area, either already playing or simply interested in learning to play an instrument. It runs from 10.00am until 1.00pm at St John's Hall4BR

Dates and times

The workshop is open to youngsters from Inverclyde and the surrounding area, either already playing or simply interested in learning to play an instrument. It runs from 10.00am until 1.00pm at St John's Hall.

Tickets for the evening concert cost £7 and are on sale from Service Centre, Regent Street, Greenock, Cherry Blossom Children's Boutique, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm, and on the door at Port Glasgow Town Hall in the evening.

Any young person attending the workshop will receive a wristband entitling them to free entry to the concert.

More information is available by e-mailing Band Secretary Laura Good, on secretary@riversideyouthband.co.uk or searching for Riverside Youth Band on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.