Groups and solo performers prove again that Forres has talent at annual youth concert in Forres Town Hall
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MORE than 200 people enjoyed an annual event to showcase local talent at Forres Town Hall.
Organisers Forres Community Activities Association (FCAA) confirmed the 53rd Forres Youth Concert was an ideal platform for a variety of performers including Tyler Smith of Forres Area Pipe Band who was awarded the Community Shield for his prizewinning efforts as lead drummer.
Chief organiser Ewen Watson thought the concert was “a roaring success”.
He said: “All of the young people performed incredibly well.
“It’s always a highlight for me to see new acts come along.
“Forres Youth Theatre went down a storm with renditions of songs from ‘Matilda the Musical’.
“All of our regular contributors - such as the pipe band, Dallas Primary School, The 2nd Forres Boys Brigade, Forres Youth Choir and Rising Stars Singers - were brilliant as always.
“There were several Forres Academy musicians who really impressed me this year too.”
FCAA chairman George Alexander paid special thanks to Ewen, as well as to event assistant Michael Robertson who stepped in to manage the sound system at a late stage.
He said: “The concert went particularly well.
“There were at least 90 young people getting the opportunity to perform to one of the biggest audiences we have ever attracted.
“The theatre group displayed boundless energy and enthusiasm for the parts they played.”
After costs, the £500 proceeds were shared between Forres Youth Theatre and the Rising Stars Singers.
Forres Pipe Band bass drummer, Doug Mcallister, nominated Community Shield winner Tyler Smith for the award.
He explained: “Tyler has performed well above and beyond expectation.
“He is an inspiration to our aspiring drummers and, at just 15-years-old, led the drum corps in the absence of the lead drummer.
“He has since been promoted to lead drummer and has excelled in that role.”
Tyler was ‘1st Open Drummer’ at Dufftown Highland Games, 2nd at Aberlour Highland Games and, at Abernethy Games,was ‘1st Open Drummer’ and 2nd in the under-16s category.
He joined Forres and District Pipe Band in January 2014 aged six.
Graduating through the band’s youth scheme, he rapidly became an integral member of the drum corps.
“Tyler is thoroughly reliable and dedicated to practice and performance,” added Mr Mcallister.
“His positive influence on the band is outstanding.
“His enthusiasm is infectious and his guidance and encouragement has become a valuable asset.”
Mr Alexander believes that it is important for the community to highlight young people we feel proud of by recognising their achievements.
He said: “Tyler is a real gentleman who has done tremendous work with the pipe band and is an excellent example to all our young people.”
Mr Watson said: “Tyler is a very deserving winner of the Community Shield for his achievements as a drummer and his positive, hard working attitude.”
He added: “The Youth Concert is an important platform for highlighting the talents of young people in Forres.
“Likewise, the shield is important in promoting the community spirit that many young people have demonstrated over the years. It is a way of recognising contributions that may have gone unrewarded.”
