Bucksburn pupil Emily wins Norman Moy Award for excellence in musicianship

15 March 2018

15-year-old Emily Manson has today (Thursday 15 March) been named as the winner of the Norman Moy Award 2018 for excellence in jazz musicianship.

Saxophonist Emily who is an S4 pupil at Bucksburn Academy, received her award following a lunchtime concert showcasing the talents of Aberdeen school’s young musical soloists.

Emily, who played Debussy’s ‘Cakewalk’ as part of the concert, is the third recipient of the Norman Moy Award and received £250 as her prize.

The award was created to continue the legacy of Norman Moy who was a prominent figure in the Aberdeen musical scene.

Norman, who was also a skilled saxophonist, passed away in 2015. His sons, Callum and Adam, wanted his legacy to live on by putting £10,000 into a trust, managed by Aberdeen City Council, which rewards emerging North-East jazz talents.

Councillor John Wheeler, Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “It’s really fitting that a fellow saxophonist has won the third Norman Moy Award. Emily gave a wonderful performance today as did all our up-and-coming musical talents.

“It is a privilege to work with the Moy family in nurturing music in Aberdeen and the north east and we at Aberdeen City Council are proud to be custodians of Norman’s Trust.

“I really hope that our emerging talents continue to develop their musical skills as they continue into adult life.”

Callum and Adam Moy said that jazz education and performance in Aberdeen was core to their father’s life. Callum added: “He would be very happy to see the prize enter its third year across Aberdeen schools – and be delighted that, this year, a saxophonist would be the winner of the Norman Moy Prize.”

Emily has secured a place on a National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland course in the summer holidays and plays in community groups as well as her school musical activities.

Lynsey Bolton, Emily’s Music Instructor, said: “I'm very pleased Emily has achieved this award at such a young age in her musical development. She is a very enthusiastic musician involving herself in any opportunity within the music service and the wider community.”