Throughout her time at St Columba’s, Maisie B (SVI) has been an active part of the musical life of the school, taking part in orchestras, assembly bands, choirs and continuing her study of music all the way to Advanced Higher.

As she prepares to leave the School, Maisie spoke to Mrs Ingham about her musical journey. Here is what she had to say:

An easy question to start – what instruments do you play?

I play clarinet, bass clarinet, drum kit, tuned percussion and piano.

Wow – that’s a lot! How old were you when you first started learning clarinet? What made you choose to play it?

I started playing the clarinet when I was in Primary 6, and I was getting group lessons with other people in my class. I don’t remember what made me want to sign up for lessons, but my parents were eager to give me every opportunity possible to learn, and so I was handed a clarinet!

Do you prefer clarinet or percussion, or do you enjoy them equally for different reasons?

I enjoy playing both instruments equally, as they give me different things. I rarely get to play tuned percussion, and I enjoy taking a break from what I usually do and having a new challenge to take on. I enjoy playing clarinet because of all the opportunities it has given me. Without clarinet, I would not have met all the people I’m friends with now, and I wouldn’t have as much confidence as I do when I’m playing.

What’s your favourite piece of music you’ve played so far?

My favourite piece of music I have ever played has to be Randall Standridge’s first symphony for concert band, ‘A Ghost Story’. I played this with the West of Scotland Schools Concert Band. It is very unusual for a concert band to have a symphony written for them, making this an incredible and unique piece of music. This is the kind of piece that gives everybody goosebumps, whether you sit in the audience or on stage, and I have been lucky enough to have the joy of performing this twice, in Glasgow City Halls and the Royal Concert Hall. If a musician enjoys playing a piece, they will enjoy it no matter its difficulty, and despite this being the hardest piece I have played, it’s still by far my favourite.

What’s the most challenging thing about switching between different instruments?

I don’t tend to struggle with playing multiple instruments which are entirely different, but for me, the hardest part is the jealousy. It’s sitting and playing a piece, hearing all the other parts which sound better than yours and wishing you could swap. There have been several times when I was sat playing clarinet and wishing I could swap to percussion, or playing drum kit in jazz band and wishing I was on clarinet because I’d much rather improvise on clarinet than kit.

Do you prefer performing solo or as part of a group?

I definitely prefer performing as part of a group. I hate performing solo because I get really nervous because the focus is all on me. I enjoy being a soloist as part of a larger group but never entirely on my own. I have performed as a soloist on stages across the country, but playing in a group is much more my thing. It’s more fun to play songs you like with people you like.

What is your favourite concert or event you have ever performed at? What made it special?

I don’t think I could choose a favourite concert. There have been many I have enjoyed because our music was great, but the emotional ones are the most special. My most special concert was my last ever Renfrewshire Schools’ concert. I have been part of this music programme since Primary 7, playing in 4 council ensembles, and a total of 17 performances with them. This concert was the end of a huge chapter in my life, and it is something I will remember forever.

How has being so involved in Music influenced your experience at school?

Having so many opportunities outside of school has allowed me to experience so much, taking on leadership roles, forming great connections with people, and providing life skills that will open doors for me in the future. It’s great to have something you can do to take your mind off school, but it has made my school experience really positive since I have achieved so much.

What are your musical plans for the future?

I am not planning on studying music at university, but I will definitely keep playing as a hobby. I will find more ensembles to join and stay involved with all the friends I have made through music. I will keep competing in national competitions each year, and I hope to pass on my skills and experience to younger musicians.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, Maisie. We all wish you the very best of luck as you move beyond life at St Columba’s.