THE halls were alive with the sound of music as a Peeblesshire music group hosted a showcase concert.

On Friday, February 3, the group at Nomad Beat presented their concert at Peebles High School, their first in over two years.

Over seventy music students, ageing from six to sixty took to the stage to perform a programme of music that ranged from Rock to Blues to Traditional folk music. 

Students took to the stage in groups, some of which meet regularly at Nomad Beat at weekends but many had also been formed by the tutors just for the purpose of the concert. 

As a result the audience were treated to the eclectic sounds of mixed instruments in "#Banter Beat", a synchronised drumkit ensemble by "The Drum Slingers", pop music covers from the "Rock & Pop Group", traditional fiddles and guitar music by “Thingummyjig" and "The Reel Thing", formation Japanese Taiko drumming by "Demon Drummers", pop and rock guitars in "Robbie’s Rascals" and "Henry’s C Sharp Minors" and singing by "Aishling’s Angels". 

Pianists also took to the stage to play short solo pieces, some performing for their first time. 

Ali Wilson, Drum tutor at Nomad Beat told us: “We know that many of our students have really busy lives so the commitment they showed to come to extra rehearsals and also practice in their own time for the show was incredible. On the night itself they played their socks off and deserve every accolade coming their way.” 

Breaking Sound Barriers, the Nomad Beat project to introduce music tuition and groups for people with disabilities, put on its first ever live performance as a mixed group with some students travelling from Galashiels and Earlston to take part especially to take part. 

Lorraine Mulholland, Chairperson of the Nomad Beat committee said: “What we heard on stage represented the wide variety of styles that Nomad Beat can now offer and it really was a feast of musical entertainment.

"To see the stage full of students of all ages, smiling and enjoying themselves and performing together is what Nomad Beat is all about and a joy to behold.”

The concert was also an important fundraiser for the school which, as a charity and non-profit organisation relies on funding and donations to maintain their unique, purpose-built facility in Cavalry Park. 

Lorraine added: “Sales of tickets, programmes and raffle tickets resulted in Nomad Beat raising £1,002 at the concert which, along with recent donations from The Bridge Inn and FatFace is a brilliant start to the year.

"A huge vote of thanks goes to our tutors and volunteers for helping to plan and organise the event and also to Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Traquair Rotary for sponsoring the hire of the venue.

“However, our biggest thank you goes to the performers who really were the stars of the night.” 

For more information, visit: www.nomadbeat.com.