A BAND of young Wee County musicians are to host a landmark concert next month to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hillfoots Music For Youth.

The Clacks group has helped inspire and coach hundreds of youngsters over the last two decades and tutors have issued a call to past members to attend the performance, or even take part.

On Saturday, June 4, the newest crop of musicians will take to the stage and showcase the skills learned from their weekly rehearsals at Alva Academy.
They will also host a reception so past members can "catch up" and view the display of images captured over the last 20 years.

The event kicks off with the junior concert from 3-4pm, featuring the training band, the training strings and the intermediate band.

There will also be a guest appearance from Clackmannanshire Schools Pipes and Chanter Ensemble, along with the Clackmannanshire Schools Guitar Ensemble.

After the reception, guests will witness the senior concert from 7.30-10pm, which includes performances from the concert band, senior strings, the trad band and the full orchestra.

Organisers say there will be around 165 young people, aged from 7-18, playing on the day, along with some past members as well.

A spokesperson for the group said: "It is now 20 years since the group was formed, and it is hoped that past members to join us in celebrating the occasion at our 20th Anniversary Concert in the Devonvale Hall, Tillicoultry on Saturday 4th June.

"Young and old, we would love to welcome you to all or part of our day.
"Perhaps you know of someone who was a member but is now not living locally, we would be very grateful if you could pass on the information.

"Maybe you were a loyal audience member but have not attended since your young person has left, please come and join us.

"The Concert Band repertoire for this concert will be selected from programmes of concerts across the two decades.

"If you were a member of Concert Band and would like to play in a piece which was performed when you were a member, please contact us on the details below.

"The String repertoire for this concert will be mainly new material, but it will be possible for any past members to join in the finale of the concert, which I guarantee will be an exciting performance.

"There will also be Scottish Traditional Music which might appeal to a few."

Any former members wishing to play in the concerts should email hmfy02@gmail.com or contact the HMFY 20th Anniversary Concert page to discuss rehearsal times.