*
banner

Riverside youngsters go for gold

There was plenty of medal winning musical talent on show at the recent Riverside Youth Band Solo Festival

Riverside
  All smiles from the great turn out of players at the Riverside Youth Band event

Talented young Inverclyde musicians recently shone in the solo spotlight as they took to the stage for Riverside Youth Band's own Solo Festival.

23 young players performed at the event that took place at Port Glasgow Salvation Army, with an audience of proud parents, family members and supporters enjoying the music making in an inclusive atmosphere.

Feedback and support

Offering constructive feedback was adjudicator Ross Bahlaj, solo trombone of the cooperation band, while the excellent accompaniment was provided by pianist, Claire Haslin.

Prior to the results, Ross entertained everyone with a rendition of 'Bolivar' whilst there was a fabulous solo spot feature for the next generation of Riverside Rookies.

The event built on the recent success of the band in providing a number of members being part of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Easter Course at Strathallan School.

Competitions

Retaining the Senior Solo class title was cornet player Ash Paton (Park Mains) with a super 'Gold Award' rendition of 'Napoli' who finished just ahead of trombonist Struan Hewitt (Gryffe High). Ash also retained the Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for providing the outstanding performance of the day.

The Intermediate Solo honours went to cornetist Bramble Kane (Notre Dame) with a super account of Ragamuffin', ahead of fellow cornet player Sienna Harrison (Inverclyde Academy) and tuba player Callum McCowan (St Stephen's)

Tunb player Jessica Sloan (St Patrick's) secured the Junior honours with a cracking performance of 'Dance of the Mirlitons', with cornet player Becca Stewart (St Stephen's) in second and xylophone player Caragh Doig (Inverclyde Academy) in third.

Qualities

Speaking about the success of the event, Mark Good, MD of Riverside Youth Band, told 4BR: "Playing a solo requires perseverance and determination, and these members of Riverside Youth Band demonstrated those qualities — and many more — with their wonderful performances.

The environment was a relaxed and supportive one, with a great turn-out from parents, supporters, and performers listening to each other and cheering each other on."

The solo festival rounded off a busy period for Riverside Youth Band, coming one week after a successful Sunday afternoon concert in Lyle Kirk and hot on the heels of a Gold Award performance at the Scottish Concert Band Festival National Finals.

The environment was a relaxed and supportive one, with a great turn-out from parents, supporters, and performers listening to each other and cheering each other onMD, Mark Good

Results:


Junior Solos:

1. Jessica Sloan (Gold)
2. Becca Stewart (Silver)
3. Caragh Doig (Silver)

Silver Award: Logan Mitchell
Bronze Award: Ellie McKibben

Intermediate Solos:


1. Bramble Kane (Gold
2. Sienna Harrison (Gold)
3. Callum McCowan (Gold)

Gold Awards: Graham Davidson; Aaron Arthur
Silver Awards: Logan Nixon; Chrystal Campbell; Jake Sloan; Stuart Smith; Annie Jones; Cameron Mitchell
Bronze Awards: Sophie Doig; Daniel Marshall; Lucy Pelling

Senior Solos:


1. Ash Paton (Gold)
2. Struan Hewitt (Silver)

Silver Award: Scott Smith
Bronze Award: Kirsten Maclean

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd