Picky comes alive with the sound of music!

The Picky Centre was alive with the sound of music on Thursday (19 September) thanks to the hard work of everyone involved in the Orkney Schools Instrumental Music Service concert. 

One hundred and seventy-six young musicians, from P5-S4, performed a variety of tunes to an audience of just under 600 family members and friends keen to hear for themselves the end result of four days of tuition. 

The wind band and primary and secondary string groups formed on Monday and rehearsed a variety of music – such as The Best of Queen, Berent Botje, North Winds Festival, Lean on Me, Circle of Life, Beauty and the Beast, Magnificent Seven and finally, And All That Jazz. 

This year the wind band was joined by external conductor Gareth Bowman – musical director for Coalburn Silver Brass Band in South Lanarkshire, tutor with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and adjudicator for the Scottish Concert Band Festival. Gareth has also worked in secondary schools in various roles. 

Lynn Procter, the Council’s Principal Teacher of Expressive Arts, said: “My thanks are extended to everyone who has made this evening possible – from the tutors, students, parents and carers, the house staff, helpers on the door and raffle table and staff at the Picky Centre. Without everyone’s dedication and involvement events such as these would not be possible. 

“The proceeds from the concert are used by the Instrumental Service to repair and replace instruments, ensuring our young musicians have access to quality instruments.” 

Our thanks go to the tutors – Brian Jones, Eilidh Wilkinson, Joan Jones, Molly Nicolson, Russ Murray, Douglas Montgomery, Elizabeth Duncan, Elizabeth Sullivan, Hilary Mason, Karen Griffith, Lilian Kelly and Lily Montgomery – and house staff Elaine Bain, Kelly Drever and Penny Aberdein. 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “Orkney’s Instrumental Music Service is regarded as one of Orkney’s Education Service success stories – still going strong after more than 50 years. 

“I also thank Lynn for the passion with which she demonstrates year after year for the day-to-day duties that come with her role but also for putting on a show like the one on Thursday evening. Through the hard work of all involved, Orkney’s rich musical heritage remains one to be justly proud of.”