Month of March showcases Music Service

The Music Service has showcased the talent and dedication of children and young people across East Ayrshire during March - a month of incredible energy, achievement, and musical celebration.

Throughout the month, over 900 pupils took part in Benedetti Foundation classroom workshops, bringing world-class musical inspiration directly into schools. These engaging sessions ignited creativity, built confidence, and offered pupils the chance to experience music-making on a whole new level.

Alongside this, more than 100 pupils participated in special string workshops, that helped to develop new skills, and where they collaborated with peers and worked with expert tutors to grow as young musicians.

Performance opportunities have been plentiful too.

Bands from The Robert Burns Academy, Grange Academy and Stewarton Academy represented East Ayrshire at the Scottish Concert Band Festival, delivering outstanding performances and demonstrating the depth of talent within our ensembles. At the festival The Robert Burns Academy band was awarded a Silver Plus Award, Grange Academy received a Gold Award and Stewarton Academy received a Gold Plus Award.

The East Ayrshire Pipe Band quartet also shone this month with a brilliant performance at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship, proudly flying the flag for the area and showcasing the strength of our traditional music offering.

Meanwhile, a large number of pupils took part in the Ayrshire Music Festival, with notable highlights including performances from the smallest to tallest performers and the eagerly anticipated first public performance of the new East Ayrshire String Orchestra—an exciting milestone in an expanding orchestral programme. There were also wonderful performances by pupils at the Ayrshire Music Festival 100th Celebratory Concert.

March concluded on a high note with young people from East Ayrshire performing in Dalmellington alongside the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, Dalmellington Brass Academy, and Doon Education Group school choirs.

Dr Julie Carrie, Music Service Manager said: “The month of March has reaffirmed the passion, skill, and ambition of East Ayrshire’s young musicians, and the whole Music Service is incredibly proud of every pupil who has taken part in workshops, rehearsals, festivals, and performances this month.

“The Music Service looks forward to building on this momentum as we continue to create exceptional musical opportunities for children and young people across East Ayrshire.”