On Thursday, February 19, 2004...

A NINE-month music festival for school children has been branded a great success.

West Dunbartonshire councillors heard that the project had been praised by children and teachers across the area at their recent social justice committee.

The Singers and Players project showcased a range of musical genre which included jazz, contemporary, traditional and world.

The £40,000 project was funded by the Scottish Arts Council and West Dunbartonshire used that cash to link up with ten top quality music organisations, all with strong reputations for the promotion and development of music education.

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In a final report to the committee, Neil McKechnie, head of service, said: “The aim of the scheme was to encourage young people to explore music as an audience member as well as a young creator. The project therefore offered a rich mix of audience, participation and performance opportunities in a way that benefited students and learners as well as their tutors and teachers.”

In September last year the Ratify Balalaika Ensemble visited Clydebank schools and all the kids thoroughly enjoyed the workshop they held.

More than 800 kids watched the ensemble some of which were from Clydemuir Primary School.

The Dalmuir school’s head teacher, Catherine Morrison, raved about the visit and said: “What a memorable afternoon for the children — one of the most worthwhile visits that I have been involved in for many, many years of teaching.”

Other visits included the National Youth Choir of Scotland, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a concert and workshop by master drummers and singers from Ghana called Kakatsitsi.

Mr McKechnie added: “These activities were enjoyed by staff and pupils across all four school sectors and a good number of them resulted in performances or presentations to family and friends out-with school hours.

“Singers and Players have been worthwhile and many new schemes of work have emerged as a result of this trial festival.”