East Dunbartonshire Pupils Shine at Christmas Performances

That the Parliament commends the East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) instrumental music service for its Christmas 2024 season of performances; applauds the dedication of the core team of Jane Ferguson and Ruth MacKenzie, supported by chief education officer, Greg Bremner; recognises what it sees as the outstanding calibre of the role-model staff who are delivering instruction and whose freelance activities include working with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and a wealth of international events, and whose experience, it believes, nurtures the next generation of musicians in all 32 primary schools and eight secondary schools, including the additional support needs (ASN) school; highlights what it sees as the development of highly transferable life skills, such as confidence-building, teamwork and tenacity, through these activities; congratulates the pupils of the 2024 Annual EDC Schools Christmas Gala Concert, who performed to a capacity audience of 2,475 at the Royal Concert Hall; applauds the Senior String Orchestra, the Concert Band and the Children’s Chorus Concert for the high standard of their Christmas 2024 performances; extends gratitude to the instrumental music service for its extensive range of pupil opportunities, through the Primary Training Orchestra, Primary Schools Symphony Orchestra, Wind Band, Concert Band, String Ensemble, String Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, Children’s Chorus, Pipe Band, Percussion Ensemble and Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra; thanks in particular the families and friends of these young people for their support throughout the year, as the musicians practise at home and collectively at rehearsals; appreciates the warmth of hospitality offered by concert venues including Boclair Community Church in Bearsden, Springfield Cambridge Church in Bishopbriggs and St Cyprian’s Church in Lenzie, and sends every best wish for continued enjoyment, fulfilment and success to all those already preparing for a busy schedule of performances throughout 2025.