CUMNOCK Academy students stunned audiences with their steel pan orchestra.

A packed audience in Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall enjoyed yet another sparkling Gala Concert this week.

The annual concert showcased star performances by talented musical youths from schools across East Ayrshire.

A wide range of music was on offer, from Disney classics to actual classical music from Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, performed by vocal groups, pipes, saxophones, guitars, wind bands, a symphony orchestra and even a steel pan orchestra from Cumnock Academy.

This year, for the 14th consecutive year, East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service has been nationally recognised and was the only local authority in Scotland to be shortlisted for this year’s Music Education Council Major Award.

Although it didn’t pick up the Major Award this year, East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service was recognised for the quality and impact of its work with young people. East Ayrshire was also the proud winner of a special commendation for its whole class string project.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning, said: “The Gala Concert was an evening’s entertainment with something for everyone.

“The concert featured young people performing in arange of musical ensembles, and opportunities like these are key in supporting not only the development of young people’s musical talents, but also in nurturing their life skills.”