Her amazing performance of Il Porco Rosso by Joe Hisaishi, from the soundtrack of the classic Studio Ghibli animation of the same name, impressed the judges at the West Lothian-wide final in Deans Community High School, Livingston, recently.
This marks the third year of success for West Calder High School musicians, with tenor horn player Tyler Clark picking up the 2025 award and fellow pianist Latisha Chan achieving the 2024 trophy.
Solo performers from nearly every secondary school in West Lothian competed for the prestigious award, in front of an audience of parents/carers and invited guests. Each has already won a school-wide heat to earn their place in the West Lothian-wide final.
The performances showcased a variety of instrumental disciplines and musical styles -classical, jazz, traditional Scottish music, Musical Theatre and heavy metal - highlighting the depth and breadth of musical talent that we are proud to nurture here in West Lothian.
The runners up were classical guitarist Flynn Cameron from St Margaret's Academy in Livingston for his excellent rendition of Cobalt by Paul Svoboda and alto saxophonist Elliot Robertson from Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston for his wonderful rendition of Star Eyes by Gene de Paul.
Also performing representing their schools were:
- Arthur Mackay, Bagpipes, Deans Community High School
- Hughie Millar, Bass Guitar, Bathgate Academy
- Sophie Pritchard, Voice, Armadale Academy
- Mavis Tsang, Piano, The James Young High School
- Amber Gourlay, Cornet, Whitburn Academy
- Jude Mowbray, Voice, St Kentigern's Academy
- Matthew Robinson, Tuba, Sinclair Academy
- Sophie Scott-Telford, Voice, Winchburgh Academy
- Maisie Wilkinson, Electric Guitar, Broxburn Academy
Trophies were also handed out for the West Lothian Ensemble of the Year competitions at the event, with Armadale Academy Brass Quartet as Brass Ensemble Winner and Linlithgow Academy Woodwind Ensemble for Open Ensemble.
Both performed on the night, along with previous winner Tyler Clark.
The event was part of the Scottish Young Musician Competition, a nationwide festival of music open to all school-aged children who learn an instrument through the council's Instrumental Music Service, or private tuition. They provide the trophies and awards, thanks to support from the Music Education Partnership Group.
Special thanks go to the judging panel of former Deans teacher Carol Madden, previous Pipe Major of West Lothian Schools Pipe Band Gordon Bruce and local professional musician Amy Gray, as well as all the music Education staff, who go to huge efforts to provide opportunities for young people.
