Airdrie Town Hall was filled to capacity as more than 400 people attended this year’s Rockfest – Battle of the Bands.
Thirteen school bands took to the stage and delivered a wonderful event for everyone there to remember.
Taylor High School’s rock band Silvrtone were crowned the winners with a powerful performance of the classic rock anthem “Born to Be Wild”, followed by an original composition titled “Vena Cava”.
The band comprises S5 pupils Thomas Reily on lead vocals, Max Allison on drums, Lucy White on guitar, Adam Formosa on bass guitar, Ava Bradley on guitar and Eve Porteous on keyboards and backing vocals.
On the morning of the competition, Mrs Muir, Head of Expressive Arts at Taylor, told the band to “trust your ability, take the stage with belief, and let the music speak for itself”.
Brannock High School were runners up, with Dalziel High School placed third. The Individual Performer Award was presented to Jamie Lennon from St Maurice’s High School.
As part of their success, the Taylor High School Music Department received a £300 prize, which the band will use to buy equipment from Haydock Music in Glasgow.
Mr McWatt, Head Teacher of Taylor High School, said: “We are incredibly proud of the band and the dedication they have shown throughout the year.
“Their commitment to rehearsals, their creativity in writing original music, and their confidence on stage were outstanding. Winning this competition is a fantastic achievement for them and very well deserved. It was a pleasure to watch our young people command the stage and take the win!”
The event forms part of the Creative Scotland and Youth Music Initiative programme, giving young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talent on a major public stage.
The judging panel was made up of Dr Graeme Smilie, Scott Cowie from New College Lanarkshire, and Martin Corcoran from Reeltime Music.
All the bands who took part will receive a recording session with Reeltime Music next month, giving them the chance to produce a professional demo and continue developing their sound.