A profile of new musical director, Hughina Naylor

As we look forward to the new season with our new Musical Director, Hughina Naylor, here is some information about our new woman at the helm. She has had a tremendous amount of experience over the years and we are delighted to welcome her to the Stewarton Winds family.

Hughina Naylor was Principal Teacher of Music, Drama and Performing Arts at St. Andrew’s High School, Coatbridge. In 1979 Hughina graduated form the R.C.S. gaining both the History of Music and Flute Prizes.

Hughina hasbeen residentConductor of The National Wind Band of Scotland, Strathclyde Symphonic Band, West Lothian Schools Concert Band, South Lanarkshire Concert Band and North Lanarkshire Concert Band. Currently, she is conductor of West Lothian Concert Band and South Lanarkshire Concert Band.

Hughina was nominated for the Silver Salver by Lanarkshire council for her voluntary work with the internationally acclaimed Motherwell Symphonic Band, the community band she founded almost 30 years ago.

In 1990 hughina won the prestigious Wingate Scholarship for Great Britain, which gave herthe opportunity to study conducting at the Royal Northern College in Manchester and with George Hirst at Canford.  During the same year she was co-author of a book on 20th Century Repertoire with Tim Reynish and also contributed significantly to a flute tutor book for Kjos Publications, USA.

Hughina works extensively for the Scottish Qualifications Authority and has lectured in techniques of both conducting and teaching as well as 20th Century repertoire at R.C.S., R.N.C.M., Salford University and Napier University. Hughina was a flute tutor in the Junior Department of R.C.S. for ten years and for several years has been involved in the audition panel for the Bachelor of Education course at R.C.S.

Hughina is frequently invited to adjudicate at National and International Festivals and has lectured in classroom methodology and conducting techniques to teachers and instrumental tutors in many divisions throughout Scotland. She is frequently invited to guest conduct bands throughout Scotland, Great Britain and Southern Ireland and has been a guest Speaker at B.A.S.B.W.E. and W.A.S.B.W.E. conferences discussing band training and the development of community Bands and Ensembles.

Hughina was interviewed by Yamaha Publications regarding her significant contribution to music in education and in February 2006, Hughina appeared on BBC Panorama where she discussed work, life balance. 

The band starts rehearsing again on September 1st - if you are interested in coming along to find out more, please get in touch!