South Ayrshire Council News

The audience at the Citadel enjoyed a varied selection of musical entertainment

The Citadel in Ayr was filled with glorious music when a number of talented young South Ayrshire musicians took part in a concert.

An audience of parents, guardians and invited guests were treated to a free concert with a varied musical programme that included the following artists:

• South Ayrshire Jazz Band
• Troon schools area choir
• Children from Muirhead, Barassie, Troon, Dundonald and St Patrick’s Primary schools with a rendition of songs from High School Musical
• The Percussion Ensemble with representative from schools who performed a lively selection of popular music
• Pipers who joined the Percussion Ensemble to play a mix of traditional Scottish and contemporary music

Councillor Hugh Hunter, the Leader of the Council and Councillor Margaret Toner, the Depute Leader of the Council attended the concert.

Councillor Hywel Davies, Learning and Prosperity Portfolio Carrier for the Council’s gave a vote of thanks to the musicians, he said: “The Scottish Arts Council and South Ayrshire Council have funded a range of initiatives to give children access to music. The musicians, performing in front of over 500 people, showed how talented they are and how hard they have worked to improve their musical skills. They are a fine example to other young aspiring musicians and I am sure that they will encourage others to become more involved in musical activities. The staff from all the schools who took part have done a marvelous job in nurturing the talents of the children and encouraging their efforts.”

Following the concert pupils from Queen Margaret Academy held a collection for the Badagary Clinic. The school is raising funds to build a clinic to help children and their families suffering from Aids. Senior pupils will have the opportunity to go to Africa and help to build the clinic in the Summer. The pupils appreciated the generous donations made by the audience, with a total of £805 being collected.

The following evening 250 young instrumentalists performed to a capacity audience at the Citadel playing orchestral music that included pieces from Verdi, Abba and Star Wars. This concert was the culmination of the groups winter rehearsal season where children from all over South Ayrshire meet on Friday evenings to make music.

See Photographs of the Evening