We are a community youth brass band based in Dreghorn. Our youth brass band plays at various events each year e.g. community concerts, school events, festivals, Christmas carolling. We also provide free or low cost after school music lessons and equipment for young people. We have c. 45 members in our groups. Young people who participate in our bands and our audiences obtain mental well-being and educational and personal development benefits from musical activity. Our members come from schools all over North Ayrshire (we have c. 10 schools represented).

Any funding obtained would go towards our uniform costs and supporting attendance and National Youth Brass Band of Scotland courses.

Our young people have yellow hoodies which identifies us at concerts and festivals and gives us an identity and encourages team behaviours. Although we pass hoodies down we need to replenish the sweatshirts regularly as they wear out and young people grow. We are requesting funds for 25 hoodies to replace worn out ones and replenish stocks.

Several of our young people are members of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS). We actively encourage participation as it supports musical and personal development. The band provides a small subsidy for members attending of the residential summer course each year. The courses last one week and are expensive. In 2024 we had 7 young people attend the course and the band provided a £100 subsidy, however parents / families provided most of the cost. We hope to increase attendees in 2025 (we are estimating 8) and we’d like to provide a larger subsidy and also remove finance as a barrier to any young person attending. Part of the requested amount will go towards our subsidy fund for attendees.  NYBBS residential course has master classes, small group practice and full band rehearsals to provide the opportunity for some serious music making for the students while ‘extra curricular’ events take place too. Culminating in an end of course concert. Almost 200 students took part during 2024 and we’d love to increase the North Ayrshire representation. Costs breakdown : Uniform - hoodies    25 @ £18 = £450 NYBBS attendee subsidy  8 @ £60 = £480 Total £930 Additional NYBBS subsidy costs to be provided from band funds / other fundraising.   

Dreghorn Parent Council are very keen to enhance and develop additional opportunities and experiences for all the pupils at Dreghorn Primary. 

In March 2025 the school is putting on a performance of Annie this is a fantastic opportunity for all Primary 5 -7 pupils. 

There is always a buzz around school and with auditions and rehersals starting this week,  it's going to be an exciting 6 months. 

Through participation in Annie the children have the opportunity to develop their confidence. They will learn new skills in acting, singing, dancing, production, costume creation, make up and set design. So many options for as many children as possible to be involved in: a huge team effort. 

As they learn new skills they will improve their abilities and belief in themselves, a real chance to help nurture and support the wellbeing of our children. 

When asked about being part of the school show the children were bursting with enthusiasm. We were told " One of my favourite things to do is sing, it makes me feel happy" Another child said " I feel more confident in music and dancing so I am excited to show how good I can be because that doesn't always happen in class." 

Reflecting on a previous show one child remembered " Matilda was so fun and made me feel a real part of the school so I want to take part in the show again." 

We would like that same opportunity for lots of our children. Giving them the chance to fire up their imagination can be crucial in their development. We want to enhance their thinking, playing and learning. 

The £1000 budget will help fund many aspects of the production:  £250 for lighting, £250 for costumes, £250 for set design, and £250 for sound to name but a few of the costs incurred. 

The children are at the heart of the production raising their voices performing to a packed audience over 2 nights. Aswell as the on stage dramatics they will also be involved in advertising and programme production and children will select guests of honour to invite to their show. 

Due to the cost of living crisis many children do not have the same opportunities to attend expensive dance,drama and singing classes out with school. Our statistics show us that currently 71% of pupils in P5-7 reside within Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) levels 1-4. Therefore by supporting the show our aim is regardless of background and financial situation all pupils will have the opportunity to participate. 

We want as many of our children to say 

"The show is a big part of school life and its so fun" Singing and dancing help me feel happy and clear my head. I would love to have a part to build my confidence."

We really appreciate and value your assistance to help us support our stars of the show.