Proclaimers lift lid on Music Box sessions for youngsters

THEY are arguably Hibernian’s most famous fans – but it wasn’t the football that brought The Proclaimers to Easter Road.

Craig and Charlie Reid, 49, were at the Hibs ground to launch a scheme aimed at getting youngsters involved in the world of music.

The Leith duo teamed up with the Hibernian Community Foundation and the SPL Trust to kick off the Music Box Project.

It aims to bring young people aged between 12 and 18 to the Easter Road stadium for free weekly sessions, where they can learn about the music industry, make their own recordings and take part in performance events.

Originally launched by the SPL Trust in September 2011, budding musicians will be able to have their first taste of the sessions on Wednesday.

In October, Hearts also started holding sessions as part of the Music Box scheme.

Joining Craig and Charlie were emerging Scottish act indie pop group Admiral Fallow.

Speaking at the launch, the brothers revealed they would not miss Sunday’s clash between Hibs and Celtic for the world. Craig said: “We’ll be here on Sunday, if only to see the party in the away end. They’ve won the league and their bitter rivals are humiliated.”

Charlie revealed he would love to see Hibs manager Pat Fenlon be given more cash to spend on players, but knows from first-hand experience that the club cannot live beyond its means.

“It’s been tough as a Hibs fan since John Hughes left,” he said. “You have to question the balance at Easter Road.

“Off the park it’s right, they’ve got a complete stadium, their own training facility but there’s not been enough spent on players and John Hughes didn’t get a fair kick at the ball.

“I’m glad we’re in the position we’re in compared with Rangers or some other Scottish clubs, so on balance they’ve got it right.”

The sessions will see young people try their hand at vocals and a range of musical instruments, including drums, bass, guitar and keyboards.

The sessions will run on a weekly basis for 30 weeks, during which time young people will also be given the chance to form bands and compose their own songs. Each club taking part in Music Box will hold a sharing event, where the budding musical talent of the future can perform to their peers, family and friends.

To sign up, e-mail Music Box co-ordinator Michael Lambert on [email protected] or call 07522 985 772.