JYHS Wind Band

The JYHS Wind Band rehearses and performs a wide variety of music at the highest level. The band regularly achieves Gold and Platinum awards at Scottish and UK Festivals, and performs at events both within and outwith the school.

The band meets weekly throughout the school year and, as well as providing a platform for our young musicians to cultivate their musical ability, it is also an opportunity for them to develop skills in teamwork, communication, time management, organisation and self-discipline as well as promoting social skills and creating a sense of achievement.

Who Can Attend

The Senior Wind Band comprises JYHS woodwind, brass and percussion players from S2 to S6. Players are invited to attend by their Instrumental Instructor. Any player who learns privately outwith school, who would like to join the band and whose playing meets the standard, can speak to the Instrumental Music Staff about joining.

Where We Meet

The Lecture Theatre at JYHS

Cost

Free

When We Meet

Mondays 3.35pm - 5pm

Contact Details

Name: Mrs J. Kelly

Telephone: 01506 414244

Email: jennifer.kelly@westlothian.org.uk

Events / Activities

Playing with the JYHS Wind Band is a significant commitment, and a typical year with the band looks something like this (check the calendar for this year's dates):

Music Camp

Annually in October

A weekend in October at the Broomlee Centre in West Linton. This event takes place from Friday pm to Sunday pm, usually costs around £100, but is not compulsory. The weekend is a well-established event in the music department calendar, and is a busy two days of rehearsing, games, quizzes and outdoor activities. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn new music and make new friends.

National Concert Band Festival

Annually in October/November (Scottish heat) and April (finals)

The Scottish heat takes place on a Sunday in October/November in Edinburgh. If the band achieves a Platinum award at this event, an automatic invitation to the National Finals is issued; this usually takes place in April at a different venue each year.

Scottish Concert Band Festival

Annually in December (Edinburgh heat) and March (finals)

The Edinburgh heat takes place on a Saturday or Sunday in December at Inveralmond Community High School. If the band achieves a Gold award or higher, an automatic invitation to the Scottish Finals at Perth Concert Hall in March is issued.

JYHS Christmas Concerts

Annually in December

These concerts are normally scheduled for the last Monday of term in the Lecture Theatre at JYHS. Recent years have seen our musicians perform at two concerts; a matinee at 2pm and an evening performance at 7pm. This is a sell-out event and an excellent opportunity for parents and family to watch the band play in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

JYHS Christmas Reflection

Annually in December

The annual Christmas Reflection is usually on the last day of term before the Christmas Holidays, during the school day. The band performs at this whole-school event which brings everyone together to help mark the end of term.

JYHS Summer Concert

Annually in June

This is an annual concert for parents and family and an opportunity to say farewell to S6 pupils. It is usually scheduled for the last Monday before the Summer holiday and takes place in the Lecture Theatre at JYHS.

JYHS Prizegiving

Annually in June

The prizegiving ceremony is normally scheduled for an evening in June near the end of term. The band provides background music as people arrive at the event and also perform a piece as part of the evening's proceedings.

The JYHS Wind Band is held in high regard and is often invited by other ensembles to perform outwith school. In the past, we have performed at Craigmillar Park Church in Edinburgh as guests of Dunedin Wind Band, the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh as guests of Edinburgh Concert Band, and at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as guests of the RCS Junior Academy Wind Orchestra.