Aberdeenshire Instrumental Music Service

Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer Competition 2023

Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year is a nationwide competition to discover the brightest musical talent in Scotland, open to every school student in Scotland who sings or plays an instrument.

This year’s Aberdeenshire regional competition took place on Sunday 23^rd April 2023, in Inverurie Town Hall. This year saw the first live Regional event that the Service has organised as last year’s competition was held online.

The Music Service was delighted to welcome Pauline Black FRSA FHEA, Head of Music Engagement and Senior Lecturer, University of Aberdeen to be the adjudicator for the competition.

The audience enjoyed the performances of the 18 competitors who all played extremely well, setting a very high standard. The winner and two runners up were announced at the end of the competition which culminated in a presentation ceremony. Prizes were presented by Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black.

Winner – Magnus Shanks, Piano

Sur La Mer by Léon Böellmann

Runner up – Charlotte Slater, Violin

Piece 1: J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 - 3. Andante (Unaccompanied)

Piece 2: Gershwin arr. Heifetz, It ain't Necessarily So from Porgy and Bess

Runner up – Isla Rippiner, Flute

Piece 1: City Life 2 by Paul Hart

Piece 2: Scherzino by Joachim Andersen

The official accompanist for the day was Blair Cargill, who is a Piano Instructor for the Service and supported the competitors faultlessly. Lindsey Leaf, Music Teacher at Banchory Academy and Julian Rippiner also provided wonderful Piano accompaniments for some of the competitors.

Magnus will now go on to perform at the National Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the year Final, which will take place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow on 21^st May and will compete with some of the best young musicians in Scotland, for a panel of judges with an international reputation.

These competitions are a chance to develop skills, get performance experience, grow in confidence, and meet other young people who are passionate about music.

Music Development Manager, Justin Brook said: It was both a privilege and pleasure to present the Aberdeenshire Regional Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer 2023. The standard was set at a high level right from the first performance of the day. The event showcased the diversity and talent of the pupils in Aberdeenshire schools. Each and every performer should be very proud of their performance. Thanks also to the schools, instrumental teachers and parents who have given their support to the young musicians and the competition.

You can find out more about the National Competition by following this link: www.scottishyoungmusicians.com

Justin Brook

Music Development Manager

Winner – Magnus Shanks, Piano

Pictured with Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black

Runner up – Isla Rippiner, Flute

Pictured with Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black

Runner up – Charlotte Slater, Violin

Pictured with Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black

In our survey we asked:

• Who you were and which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• Did you attend any of the AYMS projects.
• What AYMS project you attended.
• Did you get what you expected from the project.
• Are you likely to attend Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions in the future.

You told us:

• Pupils from 8 Academies and 41 Primary Schools participated.

• 37.1% of respondents had attended at least one project and 62.9% had not attended.

• 46.8% of AYMS participants attended the Concert Band at Mackie Academy.
  • 52.5% felt the number of sessions was just right, 47.5% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

• 34.2% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Ensemble at Mackie Academy.
  • 64.3% felt the number of sessions was just right, 35.7% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 96.4% felt the music provided was suitable and 3.6% felt the music was too easy.

• 34.4% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Ensemble at Inverurie Academy.
  • 20.7% felt the number of sessions was just right, 85.3% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 93.1% felt the music provided was suitable and 6.9% felt the music was not suitable.
    • Out of the two respondents, one felt that the music was too easy, and one felt it was too hard.

• 53.6% said that the project met expectation, 42.9% said the project exceeded expectations and 3.6% said that the project did not meet expectations.

• 39.5% said very likely, 30% said likely and 30.5% of all respondents said not very likely to attend AYMS in the future.

Based on the data:

• We organised further projects for Term 4 (April to July).

• We will aim to offer a greater range of types of ensembles next Academic session.

• We will aim to cover a larger geographical area.

In our survey we asked about:

• Your interest in the Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions.
• Which Groups you would like to attend.
• Your preference on the session durations.

You told us:

• 21.6% of respondents were pupils.
• 79.5% of respondents were parents/carers.
• 50.5% would like to attend Inverurie Academy – Concert Band.
• 40% would like to attend Inverurie Academy - Junior Strings.
• 34.7% would like to attend Mackie Academy – Concert Band.
• 70.5% preferred a half-day session.
• 46.3% preferred a full-day session.

Based on the data:

We organised three separate half-day Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions for February and March.

We put a list of suitable instrumentation for Concert Bands and String Orchestras on this site.