An S1 pupil from Jedburgh Grammar Campus has proudly made history as the first young musician from the region to take part in the prestigious Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer competition.
Jacob Van Putten was one the youngest finalists to perform in the competition, held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 25 May 2025.
The competition
Held annually, the competition brings together outstanding solo performers from all 32 Scottish local authorities, alongside an independent school entrant. This year marked a milestone for the Borders region as it was represented for the very first time.
Performing on piano, Jacob delivered a memorable debut, showcasing his versatility and musical maturity with two contrasting pieces. He opened with Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude, capturing the contrast between its calm, lyrical outer sections, and the stormy, dramatic middle passage. His delicate dynamics and emotional depth are well beyond his years. His second piece, Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag, brought a rhythmic precision that had the audience smiling at the energetic ragtime piece.
Henry Jeffrey, Music Teacher at Jedburgh Grammar Campus
“Jacob is a remarkable young musician with a genuine passion for his instrument. His ability to interpret such different styles, from romantic to ragtime, is impressive, especially at such an early stage in his musical journey. We’re incredibly proud of him for representing Jedburgh and the Borders on this national stage.”
As well as excelling musically, Jacob is a keen sportsman and plays rugby for his school team.
Jedburgh pupil Jacob Van Putten
“I found the whole experience quite challenging, in a positive way, having to perform alongside other competitors at such a high standard. It was also insightful, as it put into perspective the opportunities available to me.”
Jacob’s achievement is not only a personal triumph, but a significant step forward for music education and performance opportunities for learners in the Scottish Borders.
Instrumental Music Service
The council’s Instrumental Music Service (IMS) currently provides almost 1000 lessons each week across its nine secondary schools. This year around 150 young musicians in both Broad General Education and senior phase have enjoyed participating in the regional ensembles in Melrose and Selkirk, which have included string orchestra, wind band and percussion ensemble which culminate in an open performance for friends and family.
The IMS is delighted to have established a new relationship with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Vibe Project. Over the course of the year up to 30 pupils between S1 to S3 have been working with Paul Griffiths, an internationally renowned music educationalist and 6 professional musicians who work with the Scottish Chamber orchestra, to lead workshops on creating brand new compositions which fuse jazz, rock, funk and everything in between to lead to a premiere performance as part of the Melrose Music Festival this September.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra are returning to the Borders on 28 June with five of their members to deliver a free afternoon of fun workshops at Hawick Town Hall, entitled Meet the Musician.