The West of Scotland Schools Concert Band was established in 1996 as the successor to the Strathclyde Schools Wind Band. Since then, WSSCB has continued to provide professional training and performance opportunities to talented musicians from schools throughout west and central Scotland.
The ensemble was directed by Nigel Boddice MBE from its formation until his retirement in August 2022. Chris Mitchell, formerly lower brass tutor and Training Band Conductor, was appointed Artistic Director of the Concert Band in August 2023.
The band performs a highly entertaining and challenging programme each year, highlighting the many excellent players within each section, allowing for solo opportunities and showcasing emerging and established Scottish composers.
A team of professional tutors led by Course Director, and professional horn player, Fergus Kerr, ensures that each member is encouraged to fulfil their potential whilst enjoying the unique team spirit which is fostered and nurtured within this highly talented ensemble every summer.
Passacaglia (Tim Jackson)
Song for Japan (Verhelst, Steven)
Carmen Fantasy – Solo Clarinet (arr. John Mortimer)
Kings Go Forth (Edward Gregson)
Braveheart Suit (Andrew Duncan)
Catch Me if You Can – Solo Saxophone (J. Williams arr. Bocook) Solo Saxophone
Tangos Y Vientos (Michael Gandolfi)
Band of Brothers (Michael Kamen arr.Brubaker)
Minuano (arr. Ray Farr)
Purcell Variants (Peter Meechan)
The Children of Sanchez (Chuck Mangione)
Chivalry (Martin Ellerby)
A Jazz Funeral (Chris Coleman)
Sirocco (Edward McGuire)
Lux Aurumque (Eric Whitacre)
Echoes of the East (Rodney Newton)
Encore Riverdance (Bill Whelan)
Fanfare-The Benediction from Sky and Mother Earth – Satoshi Yagasawi
Flying Jewels – David James
Breaking Point – Brian Balmages
4 Scottish Dances – Malcolm Arnold
Animation – Randall Standridge
Interval
Arabesque – Samuel Hazo
Irish Tune from County Derry – Percy Grainger
Last letter from Murdoch – Masanori Taruya
Blues Shades – Frank Tichelli
Un Cafecito – David Llinas
Each year in spring, the concert meets for a Taster Day event. This gives members the opportunity to meet and play together and to meet our tutors before the main residential summer course in June. The day ends with a short, informal performance for parents.
The summer course takes place at Lendrick Muir running from the 1st Saturday in June through to the following Friday. The course begins with 2 days of sectional rehearsals and continues with 4 days of full ensemble rehearsals in preparation for the June concert performance.
As well as an intense schedule of music rehearsals, social & team building activities also take place during the residential course week and aim to provide plenty of opportunity for members to get to know each other. Our talent show, barbeque and ‘End of Course Ceilidh’ are all highly popular annual events.
At the end of the residential course, Concert Band members travel by coach to the concert venue for an afternoon rehearsal and evening concert, most often at a large concert venue in Glasgow. The new RSNO Auditorium at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow hosted the 2016 concert and Sherbrooke St Gilberts Church is the chosen venue for June 2017.
After the summer break, concert band members reconvene in August for a full day rehearsal in preparation for 2 events; a daytime concert in one of our 12 partner local authority schools and the annual Showcase Concert in City Halls, Glasgow.
Our annual Showcase Concert is the highlight of the season; an opportunity to celebrate all the hard work that has taken place during the season. This event has become well-known for the exceptionally high level of musical performances that take place each year.
A wide range of additional opportunities arise each year for WSCB ensemble members. Recent additional events include;
- School Concerts – The Concert Band recently performed to young musicians in South Lanarkshire
- Performances at the RCS Open Day alongside the RCS Wind Orchestra
- 2016 Concert Tour to Austria and participation in the Mid Europe Wind Festival in Schladming
What level do I need to be playing at to be eligible to apply?
The recommended minimum level for application to our senior ensembles is approximately ABRSM Grade 6+ and applicants should be S.2 – S.6. We understand that some applicants may have yet to sit a graded exam so we always advise that you consult with your instrumental teacher before applying. Applications can be made from August on our website and auditions for senior ensembles take place during November.