A YOUNG Clacks musician has won a prestigious accolade at a national competition.

Bass trombonist Thomas Lamb has won in the brass category at the Scottish Young Musicians 2024 competition and is set to receive a career-enhancing experience thanks to the generosity of some of the UK’s top music organisations.

Tom, who won at the Clackmannanshire heats to progress to the national finals in the competition organised by the Music Education Partnership Group, performed in front of the judges at a Glasgow event on Sunday, May 26.

The panel of judges was led by trumpeter John Wallace CBE, former principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and picked Tom, who plays with Clackmannan District Brass Band, as the winner in the brass section.

He was joined by soprano Jane Irwin, violinist Greg Lawon, clarinettist Adam Lee and pianist Sinae Lee.

They had the difficult job of selecting the winner and two runners up from performances on a range of instruments including saxophone, clarsach, accordion, guitar, pipes, trumpet and more.

Alan Kerr, chair of Scottish Young Musicians, said: “Today we’ve seen 31 incredibly affecting performances from young people representing 99 per cent of Scotland’s school-aged population.

“The standard of performances has been extraordinarily high and we’ve seen some very emotional playing that has left our audience, and adjudicators, absolutely enthralled.

“The final is the culmination of individual school and local authority competitions.

“While today we witnessed some of our most gifted musicians, the festival's aim is to encourage the broadest participation of all talents through all communities.

“Credit goes to the enthusiasm of teachers who've embraced SYM, our incredible hard-working team that has made it happen, and the generosity of our supporters who have provided funds, prizes and assistance.

“We are again indebted to have the support of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, ranked as one of the leading conservatoires in the world, and doubtless a destination for many on the stage today.”