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until recently you wouldn't have found a group like this in membership
because it was very much based around the western classical tradition
but maybe about 15 years or so ago
the realisation dawned that a music group is a music group
it doesn't matter the style of music or the type of instruments
they all have to go through the same procedures in order to function
they've got to find a committee, they've got to book a venue, they've got to find music
they've got to attract audiences, which the Society has done extremely well tonight, I can see
and they've to raise funds.
So now we thrive on encouraging all kinds of voluntary music groups
and individuals, to be part of a vibrant and multi-cultural music scene
Our priorities include helping our membership flourish,
lobbying which is really important on behalf of our members
and the wide voluntary music making community
and also to encourage participation in music
as a means to enhance personal and community well-being,
and we offer a wide range of services and support to our members.
In 2000 we established a prize called the Lady Hilary Groves prize.
Lady Hilary Groves was the wife of renowned conductor
Sir Charles Groves, a former Honorary President of Making Music
Both of these people gave exceptional support
to our organisation during their lifetimes.
Each year we award the Lady Hilary Groves Prize
to an organisation or to an individual among our membership
who has made a significant contribution
either to the development of their own Society
or to music in their community.
The prize doesnÃt come to Scotland very often,
this is only the 3rd time it has come to Scotland since 2000
and it's never gone to a non-classical group.
So I'm absolutely delighted we have a recipient
here tonight among the orchestra
and that's Graham Reid and he's a very worthy recipient.
Graham's connection with the orchestra
goes back to the mid-1970s when he started off
in the junior section.
But it was during his 25 years service as conductor,
the longest serving in the history of the group, that he excelled.
During those 25 years
he led about 750 orchestra rehearsals,
clocked up well over 1000 hours of rehearsal time
and that excludes the additional time he spent on preparation
and selecting and programming music.
He prepared musicians for competitions
and even drove the bus to get them there!
He took the orchestra on tour. Not only in Scotland and Ireland,
but much farther afield
and four recordings have been made under his supervision.
He encouraged collaboration with other groups including dance group
and was also keen to encourage talent within the orchestra
and allow the musicians to develop their skills further
by organising workshops.
To quote from his nomination which was made by the rest of the orchestra
"Graham has been the heart and soul of the Society
and has been a fantastic cultural ambassador
both for Scottish music and for community music in Aberdeen.
Due largely to his warmth and enthusiasm,
he's encouraged members of all ages, but particularly young people
to join the Society and develop a love of Scottish music
that has kept them playing both within the Society and beyond."
So Graham, I'm delighted to be presenting this award to you on behalf of Making Music,
and many congratulations.
[Audience applause.]
I'd like to thank the Society members, without them ... certainly I wouldn't be there,
because their support, encouragement, putting up with me for that length of time,
helped keep it all going.
No use in having a conductor if you haven't got players to play along with them.
So thanks to them, and thank you very much
Also to yourselves, there's no point in having a concert obviously if there's no audience
and you guys have supported the Society for as long as I can remember
and I hope you keep doing so for Laura and I'm sure you will.
Thanks very much indeed. [Audience applause and whistles.]