News

RSAMD Masterclass
On Wednesday 28th May at the RSAMD, six enthusiastic trumpeters namely Ewan, James, Laura, Holly, Gary and Simon met with Nigel Boddice to discuss, demonstrate and practice trumpet technique in readiness for this year's Residential Course at Castle Toward. Two hours went by swiftly enough and ideas were put into place ready to consider on the coming course. At the same time, with Lance Green from the RSNO, a similar sesson was held for the lower brass to compliment the trumpets. Four trombones [Corinne, Kelly and the gang] plus three tubas [ Andy and his henchmen] were present and were extremely industrious indeed, as you would expect from working with Lance. Most of the attention was directed towards making more sonorous and effective sounds, ready for WSSCB contributions.The basic principles discussed were as old as Methuselah: breathing, embouchure, articulation and exhalation, all wrapped up in good posture. Nothing new then but still essential learning. Everyone contributed greatly with ideas and display.

Just wait till you hear this years brass team Wow!
(Report by Nigel Boddice MBE)

Taster Day 2008
The 1^st event of season 2008 took place with the Orchestra Taster Day on Sunday 20^th April. The Taster Day for the Concert Band took place the following Sunday on 27th April. The purpose of these events is to give members a chance to meet before the main residential course in June and also to play some of the music the ensembles may be working on.
There was a short, informal performance at 4.30pm for parents and both groups are in good shape for the summer courses.

WSSCB at the RSAMD Open Day - Wednesday 18^th June

Concert band members have been invited to participate in the RSAMD Open Day in Glasgow on Wednesday 18^th June. The Open Day will run throughout the day and the band will participate in a joint, open rehearsal with RSAMD students from 2pm - 4pm. Further details will be provided nearer the time but please let us know if you are unable to attend.

WSSSO & WSSCB on new NAYO website

http://www.nayo.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=36

Leader & Concerto Competition 2008

Leader Competition Winner – Daniel Rainey

Concerto Competition Winner – Jamie Louise White

Congratulations to all members who took part in the leader and concerto competition on Tuesday 5^th February in The Crawfurd Theatre at the University of Strathclyde. This competition is a valuable addition to our activities and gives outstanding students the opportunity to perform part of a concerto in front of a distinguished panel of adjudicators.

The leader competition was won by Daniel Rainey. Congratulations to Gillian Grant and Caitlin Connelly who also took part. Adjudicator, James Lowe was impressed by all three performances and we now intend to make this competition part of our annual calendar of events.

The concerto competition was a great success with 10 members taking part this year. The range of ability on display was impressive and adjudicators, James Lowe (Conductor WSSSO), Havilland Willshire (Head of RSAMD, Junior School), and Allan Hewitt (Head of Dept. Creative & Aesthetic Studies) were impressed by the technical ability and maturity of the performances. In the end, the event was won by bassoonist, Jamie Louise White, who played the 1st Movement of Weber’s Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra. The adjudicators were particularly impressed by Jamie’s sense of style and her ability to project this to the audience. Jamie will now perform the concerto with WSSSO in the summer season of concerts.

WSSO Trust is indebted to Walter Blair who served once again as accompanist for the whole event. Walter brings the highest professional standards to the competition and is also valued as a mentor and guide to the students during the competition. All members were presented with a framed certificate in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Course dates for 2008

Please note the change of date for the Concert Band Taster Day for 2008 - Now 27th April.

The orchestra Taster Day remains unchanged on Sunday 20th April

WSSSO Events	Date	Time	Location
Auditions - Main Body	14th – 30th November	10am-5pm	TBA
Taster Day	Sunday 20th April	10am-5pm	Jordanhill Campus
WSSSO/RSNO Rehearsal	Sunday 15th June	12 noon-5pm	Scottish Opera Rehearsal Studio
WSSSO Residential Courses	7^th – 13^th June	Residential	Carberry Tower
WSSSO Concert	Fri 13^th June	7.30pm	Ayr Town Hall

Festival of British Youth Orchestras
WSSSO Rehearsal	Sun 24^th August	10am-5pm	Jordanhill Campus
WSSSO Concert	Mon 25^th August	7.30pm	Methodist Halls, Edinburgh
WSSSO Concert	Wed 27^th August	7.30pm	Concert Hall, RSAMD

WSSCB Events	Date	Time	Location
Auditions - Main Body	14th – 30th November	10am-5pm	TBA
Taster Day	Sunday 27th April	10am-5pm	Jordanhill Campus
WSSCB Residential Courses	7^th – 13^th June	Residential	Castle Toward
WSSCB Concert	Fri 13^th June	7.30pm	Greenock Town Hall

Festival of British Youth Orchestras
WSSCB Rehearsal	Sun 24^th August	10am-5pm	Jordanhill Campus
WSSCB Concert	Mon 25^th August	12.30pm	Methodist Halls, Edinburgh
WSSCB Concert	Tue 26^th August	7.30pm	Concert Hall, RSAMD

WSSO Trust Website

Plans are in place to develop the WSSO Trust website to include sound clips and a members’ gallery. If you have any digital photographs from this year’s activities which you would like to be considered for inclusion, please email or send on a CD to Derek Hart as soon as possible.

The University of Strathclyde is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, number SC015263 In Association with West of Scotland Schools and Local Authorities Some of the organisations supporting the trust are;