Young performers recently enjoyed a successful day of music making at the Innerleithen Youth Brass Band Contest hosted by St Ronan's Silver Band.

Held at St. Ronan's Primary School, it brought together eight bands across three sections, giving young players at different stages of their musical development an opportunity to perform, gain feedback and celebrate their progress.

High standard

Adjudicator Andrew McMillan, solo horn with Grimethorpe Band, praised the high standard of playing, saying that all the bands had performed very well. Each received a gold award, recognising the quality of their musicianship and the hard work of players and conductors.

The Preparatory Section winners were Newtongrange Junior Band, conducted by Alan Fernie, whilst the Novice Section was topped by Bathgate Youth Band, led by Stewart Brynes. Galashiels Youth Band, conducted by Stuart Black topped the Development Section.

Also taking part were Peebles Burgh Youth, St Ronan's Future Band, Maroon Brass, Hawick Saxhornettes, and the combined Penicuik Youth and St David's Youth Band.

Wonderful

Event organiser Adrianne Robb, vice-chairperson of St Ronan's Silver Band, told 4BR: "It was wonderful to see the young musicians sharing their achievements, growing in confidence and enjoying listening to one another.

Every band had something to celebrate, and gold awards across all three sections are a real credit to the hard work of the players, conductors and everyone supporting them."

Preparatory Section:

Newtongrange Junior Band (Alan Fernie): Gold

Novice Section:

Bathgate Youth Band (Stewart Brynes): Gold
Peebles Burgh Youth Band (K.J. Belleville): Gold
St. Ronan's Future Band (K.J. Belleville): Gold

Development Section:

Galashiels Youth Band (Stuart Black): Gold
Hawick Saxhornettes (Stuart Black): Gold
Maroon Brass (Stuart Black): Gold
Penicuik Youth Band & St David's Youth Band (John A Dickson): Gold