Virtual Scottish Youth Solo and Ensemble Championships

The Scottish youth solo and ensemble championships will be taking on a different format for 2021 because of the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying rounds and the final itself are being staged as virtual events to maintain compliance with any restrictions on social gatherings which may still be in place.

Individual area qualifier competitions are being replaced by two online regional events, the first of which will be held on Sunday 27th February for entries from Fife, East and Northern Counties associations, with the second following on Sunday 28th February for entries from the West, South West and Borders. As usual, there will be three age categories: 12 & under, 16 & under and 21 & under. Four qualifiers from each association in each of these three age categories will progress to the final on Saturday 13 March.

Entrants are requested to submit video recordings of their solos, with or without accompaniment, to education officer John Boax at sbbaeducation@gmail.com by 14th February 2021. The adjudicators will review the entries over a two-week period after that date and the finalists will be confirmed on the day of their regional competition. Soloists with accompaniments and ensembles must ensure that social distancing remains in place at all times during their recordings.

The regional competitions and final will be broadcast on the SBBA YouTube channel and Facebook page on the dates specified. SBBA vice president Ann Murray, who is co-organising the championships with John Boax, commented: "Whilst it is not ideal holding these events as virtual experiences, it does give those entrants who would normally have difficulty travelling to their area competitions and the final the opportunity to take part."

There will be no cost of entry to encourage as wide a participation as possible. Full details are available on the entry form which can be downloaded here.

This event is made possible with the continued support of Creative Scotland.

For more news, features, articles and reviews, subscribe to BBW Digital, available to read online (annual subscription: £30), or subscribe to BBW's printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World). Alternatively, receive both the Digital and printed editions combined: £55 (UK); £83 (Europe); £96 (rest of the world) - saving 50% on the Digital edition. Click here to subscribe!