Imagine a bustling train station transformed into a concert hall, filled with the joyous sounds of young musicians playing alongside world-class artists. This is exactly what happened at Haymarket station, marking the grand finale of a transformative residency between the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and Edinburgh’s budding brass players. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: this wasn’t just a performance—it was the culmination of a three-month journey that paired aspiring young musicians with the RSNO’s finest, all in the name of nurturing the next generation of talent.
On Friday, 12 December, twenty pupils from the Council’s Instrumental Music Service (IMS) Senior Brass Ensemble took center stage at Haymarket station. These students, representing secondary schools across Edinburgh, joined forces with the RSNO Brass Quintet to deliver a festive performance that captivated commuters and passersby alike. The event was the perfect end to a residency designed to inspire, coach, and elevate young brass musicians through hands-on collaboration with professional artists.
And this is the part most people miss: the residency wasn’t just about mastering notes—it was about building confidence, fostering teamwork, and igniting a passion for music. Over three months, the students worked closely with RSNO musicians, rehearsing for two major performances. The first took place at the iconic Usher Hall on 3 December 2025, where the ensemble performed Tielman Susato’s Renaissance Dances. The second, at Haymarket station, featured a selection of Christmas carols and festive tunes, bringing holiday cheer to the public while celebrating the students’ hard work.
The IMS Senior Brass Ensemble included pupils from a diverse range of schools, such as Drummond High School, Tynecastle High School, Trinity Academy, Boroughmuir High School, Balerno High School, James Gillespie’s High School, Leith Academy, Queensferry High School, St Augustine’s RC High School, Broughton High School, Firrhill High School, and Craigmount High School. This collaboration highlighted the Council’s commitment to making music education accessible and enriching for students across the city.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor, emphasized the broader impact of such initiatives: “We’re not just teaching music—we’re nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people to shine. This residency with the RSNO is a testament to what’s possible when world-class musicians join forces with our dedicated Instrumental Music Service team. These experiences leave a lasting impression, shaping the future success of our students.”
But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where arts funding is often under threat, how can we ensure that programs like this remain accessible to all young people? Dalgleish’s words underscore the importance of such partnerships, but they also invite us to consider the role of communities and policymakers in sustaining these opportunities.
Andrew Stevenson, RSNO Director of Engagement, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Working with the Council’s Instrumental Music Service is a privilege. Their dedication to young musicians across Scotland is unparalleled, and we’re proud to support their efforts. Ending the residency with a free, public performance not only showcases the students’ talent but also highlights the vital role of music education—something we deeply believe in at the RSNO.” Stevenson also thanked ScotRail, the principal travel partner, for their ongoing support in making such events possible.
For Carter, an S1 pupil at Balerno High School, the experience was nothing short of life-changing: “The RSNO Brass side-by-side project was inspirational and AMAZING. Being part of this has been a dream come true, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”
As the final notes echoed through Haymarket station, it was clear that this residency had achieved something extraordinary. It wasn’t just about music—it was about connection, growth, and the power of collaboration. But what do you think? Are initiatives like this enough to secure the future of music education, or is more needed? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going!
