Festival inspires the next generation of Borders musicians
With ten days of world class music coming to the Borders this month, the musical offering at Borders Music Festival is widely recognised across Scotland and beyond.
But as well as bringing world-class performers to the region, an integral part of the festival is to support and encourage young people in developing their love of music.
Indeed, all under 18s will get free admission to every event at this year’s festival.
The festival team and their partners are working closely with schools and young musicians across the Borders through a series of workshops and other immersive projects.
In addition, each school where an educational workshop is taking place, whilst not all open to the public, will have a large cohort of young people attending as audience too.
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra provide a workshop and showcase for young jazz talent to shine at Peebles High School and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra bring their acclaimed VIBE project to Galashiels Academy.
A vibrant concert showcases some of the finest young brass players in the Borders and the SCO’s Immerse Project is a unique orchestral experience that enables students to experience a live orchestra and explore the relationship between music and art.
And for a younger age group, there’s a very special singing workshop for primary school children from across the Borders, led by members of The Sixteen, one of the world’s finest choral ensembles.
All of these initiatives and activity are central to the festival’s commitment of inspiring the next generation of musicians in the Borders.
Robert Marshall, the music festival’s artistic director and CEO, said: “Our ambition is to establish a flourishing festival that heightens the awareness and appreciation of music in the Scottish Borders – and create opportunities for talented young musicians to shine.
“By partnering with the Council’s Instrumental Music Service and the Hugo Burge Foundation, we have been able to provide transport which makes it possible for groups of young people studying music and/or the arts from four Borders High Schools to attend three amazing events in our Festival.
“As well as this, all events at this year’s Festival are free for under 18s to attend.”
Robert added: “We would like to sincerely thank our friends and partners at the Hugo Burge Foundation, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Scottish Borders Council’s Instrumental Music Service, the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and The Sixteen.
“The opportunity for young people to learn from and perform alongside these world class musicians can be life changing and this year’s series of workshops, concerts and immersive projects will undoubtedly inspire the next generation and their love of music.”
Events featuring young musicians at Borders Music Festival include:
Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band; September 13, Melrose Parish Church
A celebration of brass band music featuring the Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band and the Jedforest Band, with a Young Slow Melody Showcase. A wonderful evening of accessible, vibrant music showcasing some of the finest young and experienced brass players in the Borders. Conductor Phil Rosier leads Jedforest, with Stuart Black conducting the SBYBB.
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s Big Band Workshop and Showcase; September 15, Peebles High School
In partnership with Scottish Borders Council’s Instrumental Music Service, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s world-class tutors will lead an intensive, high-energy day of educational workshops for the region’s young musicians. This all-day event is a cornerstone of the festival’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of jazz talent across the Scottish Borders. The public can come and see what these talented young musicians have achieved throughout the day in a spectacular, high-energy showcase.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Immerse Project; September 15, Galashiels Academy
The SCO Immerse Project is a unique orchestral experience for upper secondary music and art pupils that enable students to experience the excitement of a live orchestra in concert and explore the relationship between music and art. Immerse is free for schools, and Borders Music Festival have a modest travel bursary to support schools with the cost of transport. This all-day educational session is closed to the public.
Primary Schools Singing Workshop; September 18, St Mary’s School, Melrose
A special singing workshop for 80 primary school children from schools across the Scottish Borders, led by members of The Sixteen, one of the world’s finest choral ensembles. Taking place at St Mary’s School, Melrose, this educational event is part of the festival’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of musicians. Not open to the general public – school registration only.
SCO VIBE Showcase; September 20, Galashiels Academy
Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s acclaimed VIBE project comes to Galashiels Academy for a high-energy showcase performance. VIBE brings young people together from across the Borders to create, collaborate, and perform original music in a fun, inclusive environment. This event is open to the public and free to attend by reserving your place and numbers.
Visit the Borders Music Festival website for more information and details of all the events taking place from September 11 to 20.