THE continued spread of COVID-19 may have brought rehearsals and performances to a temporary standstill for Riverside Youth Band but as it pauses the organisation is taking time to reflect on a major contribution to the area’s cultural life.

Since its formation around nine years ago, the band - which usually rehearses in Port Glasgow on Friday afternoons - has enjoyed a string of successes and is a four-time Scottish youth brass band champion, a former Greenock Telegraph Live Music Community Champion and a multiple winner at Inverclyde Music Festival.

Other highlights include taking centre stage in a fundraising evening for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, hosted by newsreader and TV presenter Jackie Bird, and performing the away national anthem on the pitch at Scotstoun Stadium at a Scotland ladies international rugby match.

Riverside has welcomed renowned performers and teachers to deliver workshops, commissioned new music for celebrated Scottish composer Alan Fernie and collaborated with Inverclyde composer Fergus Hall.

Many members also gained the opportunity to play with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, where they enjoy residential courses studying under the country’s leading conductors and performers.

Riverside’s original conductor was Lynda Nicholson before Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate Mark Good took over as musical director of the band in 2015.

Speaking to the Tele, Mark said: “While it’s really frustrating that everything is on hold at present, it’s completely understandable due to the spread of COVID-19.

"We have had several events postponed and while this period of social distancing and self-isolation will be more of a marathon than a sprint, we are already planning and looking ahead to exciting musical opportunities for our young people.

“Some of our members come from postcodes which are deemed to be some of the most deprived in the country.

"When they come through the door on a Friday evening, that’s completely irrelevant; instead, it’s about enabling young people to develop and hone their skills, musically and socially, while meeting new friends in a nurturing, welcoming environment.”

Riverside Youth Band alumni can be found in brass bands across the county.

Some have pursued studies in music and are now inspiring the next generation in the classroom while others have gone to enjoy professional careers in diverse fields including nursing, IT and chemical engineering.

Mark said: “Being part of a brass band has a tremendous impact on a young person’s development.

"Musically, the standard is high and our younger players develop so quickly when sitting alongside their more experienced colleagues.

"Crucially, being part of the band helps young people develop their confidence and ability to communicate, transferable skills they take into their adult lives.”

He added: “We are grateful for the support we receive from organisations including Belhaven Dental Surgery, Tesco Bags of Help and Inverclyde Council.

"We love performing for the people of Inverclyde and can’t wait to take to the stage again soon.”

*Anyone keen to get involved or support Riverside Youth Band should contact Duncan Galbraith, chairman: chairman@riversideyouthband.co.uk