Two Renfrewshire youth bands are celebrating after picking up top awards at a national music festival.
The Renfrewshire Symphonic Wind Band received a Platinum award at the Scottish Concert Band Festival, while Renfrewshire’s Concert Band achieved a Gold award.
Both bands are part of Renfrewshire Council Instrumental Music Service and were supported by conductors JP O’Hagan and Mr Beattie.
Castlehead High School also secured a Gold award at the festival, while Gryffe High School achieved Silver.
Renfrewshire has offered free music tuition across the council area since 2017, helping young people develop their musical talents through instrumental lessons in schools.
Instrumental music instructors support pupils learning a wide range of instruments including bagpipes, brass, guitar, percussion, strings and woodwind.
Young musicians also perform in showcase concerts twice a year during the spring and Christmas periods.
Niamh, from the Renfrewshire Schools Symphonic Wind Band, said: “Playing in the Perth Concert Hall was an amazing experience to do as a group, especially when it was announced we had won Platinum, which was our goal for the year.
“It was a great experience for pushing us out of our comfort zone, with challenging new pieces and brought us closer together as a band. I can’t wait to find out what we will be playing next year.”
Mark, also from the Renfrewshire Schools Symphonic Wind Band, added: “The band worked really hard throughout the year to give the best performance possible.
“At the SCBF finals in Perth, we played brilliantly. This is a great experience for aspiring musicians.
“It boosts our confidence as individual players and as an ensemble, especially after winning Platinum.
“We will continue to work hard and hopefully keep the standard up as high as platinum for the next SCBF as this is an amazing achievement.”
Connie, from the Renfrewshire Schools Concert Band, said: “It was amazing to perform on the stage of the Perth Concert Hall. I was pleasantly surprised by the band’s Gold award.”
Emma Rodden praised the achievements.
She said: “Congratulations to our young musicians achieving Platinum and Gold national awards. This is a tremendous result for our young people and reflects their talent and dedication.
“We are proud of our long-standing commitment to making music education accessible to all.
“The high-quality instruction and support provided through our music service is excellent. Giving young people opportunities like this develops their confidence, creativity and teamwork.
“Everyone should be proud for representing Renfrewshire so successfully on the national stage.”