Young Musicians Wanted for Scotland's Trad Youth Band

Young musicians aged 14 to 25 of Grade 5 standard and above are being invited to audition for the Gordon Duncan Experience, Scotland’s trad youth band.

Led by professional Scottish musician, Steven Blake (Rura), the Gordon Duncan Experience (GDE) plays a mixture of Scottish traditional and jazz music. All instruments are accepted from fiddles and pipes to saxophones and French horns.

Past gigs include Celtic Connections, supporting and collaborating with Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton, and performing at the BBC Alba Trad Awards.

This is a great chance for young musicians to explore and broaden their musical horizons.

Former members have gone on to win the prestigious Young Traditional Musician of the Year award at the Scots Trad Music Awards, be accepted to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RSC) to study the UK’s only Bachelor of Music curriculum dedicated to traditional and folk music, graduate with a BA in Actor/Musicianship and lead GDE as Musical Director.

Emma Neck, creative learning co-ordinator (music) for Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation and charity behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre which runs the band said:

“No matter what musical instrument or background, this is a great chance for young musicians to explore and broaden their musical horizons. It is an amazing opportunity to play, learn, create and work progressively with some of the most talented traditional musicians in Scotland.”

It is an amazing opportunity to play, learn, create and work progressively...

The Gordon Duncan Experience rehearses on a regular basis with visiting and regular Scottish professional musicians to develop a repertoire of Scottish traditional music arranged for a big band setting incorporating influences from other styles, and to develop playing by ear and performance playing skills.

Auditions will take place on Sunday 29 September. For further information on how to get involved send an e-mail to creativelearning@horsecross.co.uk.

The Gordon Duncan Experience is supported by generous donations from various trusts including The Northwood Charitable Trust and the William Syson Foundation.