I was reading your article “Listen up London, the Scots are coming” (27 April) and was delighted to read about the many fine young Scottish musicians.
In 2008, a fantastic group of young musicians, ably led by Angus music instructor Mike Robertson and supported by parents and local organisations including schools, formed the Carnoustie amp; District Youth Brass Band (Camp;DYBB). Most of the band were pupils from my own school, Carnoustie High, but others came from neighbouring Angus schools in Arbroath and Monifieth.
At the invite of the eminent brass band conductor and composer Richard Evans, the Camp;DYBB was encouraged to enter the 2008 UK Youth Brass Band Championships in Manchester. In its first year of competition, it came fourth. The following year it came second and for the past three years (2010-12) it has been crowned UK Champions.
This year, it was also voted BBC Radio 2 Youth Brass Band of the Year and one of the band, Ross Knight, won an individual award.
There is something special happening in Angus, and it has been going on now for several years. Mike Robertson is developing a musical talent the like of which many major towns and cities throughout the UK would dearly love to have.
It’s not a case of the Scots are coming. Some of us have been and we have conquered again, and again.
Fraser Booth, headteacher, Carnoustie High.