Following an extensive online competition which attracted entries from across the country, an ensemble from Stranraer Brass has been announced as the first ever 'Scottish Young Musicians Brass Ensemble of the Year'.

The Stranraer Brass Ensemble claimed the prestigious title ahead of rivals East Lothian Schools Brass Ensemble and Perth High School Brass Ensemble. The players come from the community Stranraer Brass Band which recently qualified for the Fourth Section National Finals in Cheltenham — their first appearance since 1995.

The ensemble will receive a stunning sculpture by Alexander Stoddart of 'The Maid of Morven', as well as an all-expenses paid trip to play a prime slot at the Solo Performer of the Year final on 29th May at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

In addition, they received a prize of £750 to be spent on ensemble music related activities, donated by Ursula Jones OBE. The prizes will be presented at The Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year final.

Very best

The nationwide competition seeks to find the very best young musicians in each Local Authority and from independent schools in Scotland to compete against each other.

It is open to ensembles of up to 10 players aged 18 and under, who play together regularly in school or in their local youth brass band. One entry was allowed from each Local Authority, Independent School Group and Youth Band.

The judges were John Wallace, Convenor of MEPG, Arlene Macfarlane, Director of Scottish Schools Orchestra Trust, and John Miller, ex-Head of Wind & Percussion at the Royal Northern College of Music who were delighted not only by the standard of the winners but of the overall level of competition.

Speaking about the honour of winning the award, Stranraer Brass Ensemble conductor, Angela Miller told 4BR: "I'm so proud of these talented young musicians and am so happy to see their hard work being rewarded. They are a credit to themselves; their families and Stranraer Brass and the future looks very bright for them indeed."

Positive musical experience

Talking about the success of the event, John Wallace, Convenor of the Music Education Partnership Group, said: "I want to thank our young Scottish brass players and their teachers directly for an amazingly positive musical experience.

Collectively your performances were brimming with a wonderful sense of enthusiasm, and you all make really beautiful healthy sounds. With young players so full of potential as this, the future is bright!"

The ensemble will receive a stunning sculpture by Alexander Stoddart of 'The Maid of Morven', as well as an all-expenses paid trip to play at the Solo Performer of the Year final at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland4BR

Solo Performer of the Year

The majority of Local Authorities across Scotland are also currently taking part in Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year, a new Scotland-wide music competition launched by The Music Education Partnership Group.

With local finals taking place across Scotland, the pupils who make it to the national final will be competing for a plethora of prestigious prizes, including opportunities with The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Cumnock Tryst and RSNO.

The final will be hosted by Jamie MacDougall and feature a special welcome by international classical violinist Nicola Benedetti.

More information:

For more information, please visit www.scottishyoungmusicians.com or follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.