Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions holds end of project concert

Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions (AYMS) presented its end of project concert at Inverurie Town Hall to a full house.

AYMS is in its second year and offers young musicians at the early to intermediate stages of their learning opportunities to play in an ensemble.

Parents, friends and invited guests were treated to three AYMS projects that came together for the performance.

From AYMS Central, a string group conducted by upper strings instructor and project leader, Zoe Davidson; from AYMS South Strings Orchestra conducted by project leaders Martin Couzin and Joseph Hibbs; and also for AYMS South, project leaders Bruce Wallace and Sarah Gove presented a concert band conducted by Sarah Gove.

AYMS also offer opportunities for more advanced pupils to be involved as young leaders. Young leaders assist in playing as well as tasks such as welcoming guests, setting up equipment and presenting and introducing the groups to the audience.

Music Development Manager Justin Brook said: “We are now in our second year of AYMS. This is a new way of offering ensemble playing opportunities and thanks to a great team of instructors, volunteers, young leaders and young musicians the projects continue to grow and develop. 

“Thanks to the parents for supporting the projects in so many ways and to all the instructors and teachers that support, teach and encourage all of the young people that participate.”

Aberdeenshire Council Provost Judy Whyte gave the vote of thanks and the concert ended with an encore of Smoke on the Water performed by the concert band.