Young Inverclyde musicians celebrated at Riverside Youth Band awards night

INVERCLYDE’S Riverside Youth Band recently rounded off its ‘successful’ season by celebrating the success of its members at an awards night and ceilidh.

The event was held at the 68 Club in Port Glasgow, with the young musicians being honoured for their achievements over the course of a busy 12 months.

In the past year, RYB saw both its youth and training bands with the Scottish Youth Championship title.

The band also won the Live Music award at the Greenock Telegraph Community Champion ceremony earlier this month.

Ash Paton recipient of Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy with Joshua Watson (Image: Riverside Youth Band)

At the band's awards night, Ash Paton was named Youth Bandsperson of the Year and received the Cathie Sinclair Memorial Trophy.

Ash also won the Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for her outstanding performance in Riverside’s solo festival.

The band’s most improved player in the youth band was Katie Livingstone, who received the Clive Good Memorial Shield.

Bramble Kane won the John Lee Millar Memorial Trophy for Training Band Bandsperson of the Year, with Hollie Stables taking home the award for most improved player in the training band.

Training Band Player of the Year Bramble Kane right with Libby Hunter (Image: Riverside Youth Band)

The Best Section prize went to the tuba section, which is made up of Callum McCowan, Aaron Arthur, Jessica Sloan and Amelia.

Callum also received the Best Sightreader award, with Christian Adams being named Riverside Rookie of the Year.

A special recognition award was given to Gillian Reid for her continued support and dedication to the band’s youngsters.

Mark Good, musical director of Riverside Youth Band, said: “After what has been a busy year, our awards night and ceilidh was the perfect way for members of the Riverside Youth Band to let their hair down and enjoy a night of celebration.

Aaron Arthur and Callum McCowan with Mark Good and Duncan Galbraith (Image: Riverside Youth Band)

"As ever, they threw themselves into the evening with gusto - they barely took themselves off the dance floor.

“Congratulations to our award winners, and well done to everyone for their hard work and dedication during another busy year."

Band chairman Duncan Galbraith added: “Being part of Riverside Youth Band is about doing everything together; performing, supporting and looking out for each other.

“Our awards night and ceilidh offers a rare opportunity to put our instruments down and have a party - and it was very well deserved after a packed 2023-2024.

“Well done to everyone involved."