Three Aberdeenshire school concert bands have received national recognition.
Gold awards were given to Stonehaven’s Mackie Academy Concert Band, conducted by Sarah Gove, and to the South Central Aberdeenshire Youth Concert Band conducted by Bruce Wallace.
Portlethen Academy Concert Band, also conducted by Sarah Gove, received the prestigious Gold Plus Award at the National Finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival last month.
Justin Brook, Aberdeenshire Council’s instrumental music manager, said: “I would like to say how proud we are of all the musicians who took part in the festival to achieve these impressive results.”
Giving their support to the pupils were Gillian Owen, who is chairwomen of Aberdeenshire Council’s education and children’s services committee, and vice-chairman Mark Findlater.
Councillor Owen said: “Once again pupils from Aberdeenshire schools have been honoured for their musical talents at the National Finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival.
“I would like to thank the hard work and dedication shown by not only the pupils themselves but also the teachers and staff who have played a key role in these school concert bands being given these prestigious awards.”
Mr Findlater said: “This is a fantastic achievement of which pupils, teachers, staff and parents can rightly feel proud. I would like to pass my congratulations on to all involved.”
The finals of the Scottish Concert Bands were held at Perth Concert Hall with bands awarded a gold award or higher performing last month.
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