YOUNG people from schools across the Borders are being encouraged to get musical when they return after the summer break.

The Music Service at Scottish Borders Council (SBC) offers pupils the chance to learn a variety of musical instruments and become part of a number of ensembles, including the junior string orchestra, junior wind band and the Borders Youth Orchestra.

Senior Instructor, Simon Johnson said: “Over the past 30 years the orchestras, bands and music ensembles run by the Council have become a vital part of the musical landscape of the area with generations of musicians and their parents able to look back on their involvement with pride and affection.

“The youngest of these musicians will often start off with the Junior String Orchestra or the Junior Wind Band which meet on Saturday mornings throughout the autumn term. Many will move on to the Borders Youth Orchestra, a full symphony orchestra currently under the baton of Derek Calder. Events they get to participate in include the concert that took place in November last year when the Scottish Borders Youth Orchestra, Junior String Orchestra and Junior Wind Band performed a varied programme of pieces to a packed and appreciative audience.

“Also worth mentioning is Band Camp, the two weekend residential courses where the Scottish Borders Chamber Orchestra, Wind Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble meet up at the Broomlee Centre near West Linton. With over 90 high school pupils from across the region taking part, these are always an event to remember. This year the groups presented their annual concert in Melrose Parish Church. They have also played at the Edinburgh Festival, Royal Highland Show and undertaken several foreign tours including performing a series of concerts last year to enthusiastic German audiences in the Rhineland.” The orchestras are funded by the Council but also receive generous financial support from Borders Young Musicians (BYM), a PTA formed back in 1986. As well as helping out at concerts, BYM holds an annual coffee morning and fundraiser. This is combined with an open rehearsal which gives friends and parents the first opportunity of the new school year to experience the groups at work. Money raised has helped to buy percussion instruments and music, fund advertising costs and transport and support foreign tours as well as providing grants for individual pupils attending national music courses.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, SBC’s Executive Member for Education, added: “The benefits of playing an instrument and being part of an orchestra are well known, from encouraging creative expression through to working as part of a team and taking part in new experiences. There is also research that indicates that childhood music lessons could pay off later in life by helping to keep the mind sharper as people age.

“Having enjoyed a number of concerts over the years by talented youngsters from across the Borders, I can testify to the creativity, skill and dedication of everyone involved in musical education in our region. Any pupil who would like to be part of this dynamic and exciting group of musicians shouldn’t hesitate to find out more and see what opportunities might be available.” To find out how to get involved, contact Simon Johnson, Senior Instructor at: music@scotborders.gov.uk or on 01835 825097.