Riverside Youth Band has joined forces with a Greenock composer for a project centred on the River Clyde

Senior members of the band spent a full weekend rehearsing the Clyde Suite, a new piece written by Fergus Hall.

The piece was inspired by paintings of the Clyde by the artist James Watt.

Fergus, who is due to begin a masters degree in composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in September, was delighted to be able to work alongside the youth band, having heard them play before.

He said: “For a while now I have wanted to write a piece rooted in my home town.

"The idea of writing something based on Watt’s paintings and working with Riverside Youth Band came simultaneously.

"I'm incredibly grateful to musical director Mark Good for accommodating the idea.

"I have heard the youth band play live on a number of occasions and have always been incredibly impressed by its musicianship and discipline.

"It was a real privilege to work with such a dynamic and energetic young ensemble."

Band director Mark says his charges 'thoroughly enjoyed' rehearsing the piece put together by Fergus.

He added: "This contemporary music was unlike anything they had previously encountered but the music, like its performers and composer, has its roots in Inverclyde and they rose to the challenge magnificently.

"Performers today often play the music of composers who have long passed away so the chance to work on a piece and interact with the real, living composer in the room was a great opportunity for our young performers."

Riverside and Fergus have plans to continue developing Clyde Suite and hope that the work can be performed locally in the coming months.

Riverside Youth Band rehearses in Port Glasgow and is always keen to welcome new members to training and youth bands.

There is no audition required and instruments can be provided by the band.

For more information on the band email secretary@riversideyouthband.co.uk or call 07455323874.