ASPIRING young Wee County musicians have showcased their talents at a competition in Alva last week.

Alva Academy played host to the Rotary Club of Alloa's Young Musician Competition on Thursday, June 1.

Altogether, 18 secondary school pupils, both vocalists and instrumentalists, took part to compete for medals and quaichs kindly sponsored by Norland Joinery.

Junior runner up was singer Olivia Mitchell while cellist Florence Price took first place – both are pupils at Alva Academy.

Fellow school pupil and vocalist Emily Meeten was the runner up in the senior category while pianist Michael Black, from Lornshill Academy, was declared the senior winner.

Adjudicators Jan Cunningham and Lesley Easton told the crowd at the event picking the winners was a “very, very difficult task” with a skilful and talented array of young musicians taking part.

There was a wide variety with violins, guitars, drums, ukuleles, saxophones and vocalists in the running.

Alun Morgan, president of Alloa Rotary, provided the technical equipment and support for the young performers.

He said: “We are delighted that Rotary can host this event to showcase young local talent and to test the performance skills of our young musicians.

“Huge thanks go to our adjudicators from Falkirk, Lesley and Jan, to Ben Eames our flawless piano accompanist and to Mandy Kettles of Hillfoots Music for Youth and David Clifford at Alva Academy for their help in arranging this event.

“Thanks of course also to all our Rotarians who helped at the event, especially to our MC, Iain Ballantine.”

The event was hosted for the second year running, following a popular and successful inaugural competition last year.

Lindsey Spowage, team leader for the the Young Musician Competition, added: “Without our young musicians having the courage to enter and dedication to practice for this event, it could not take place.

“We are incredibly proud of them all and hope that their musical careers will continue to flourish.

“Look out for entry forms being posted in the autumn for the 2024 competition with the final next June.”

The club also welcomes membership enquiries, email membership@alloa.rotary1010.org for more.