OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-07-31-accounts

West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust CHARITY NO. SC029370

Annual Accounts

for the year ending 31 July 2024

West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust

Annual Report for the year ended 31 July 2024

Page
Report of the Independent Examiner 2
Report of the Trustees 3-10
Statement of Financial Activities 11
Balance Sheet 12
Notes to the Accounts 13-14

1

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024 set out on pages ������to ��������.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under Section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

Chartered Accountant Watson & Company Oakfield House 378 Brandon Street Motherwell NORTH LANARKSHIRE ML1 1XA

09/04/2025

Date: .............................................

2

UTrfversllyol Strathclyde Glasgow OKCHtSTKA TRUST WEST OF SCOTLAND SCHOOLS ORCHESTRA TRUST REPORT ON SEASON 2024 Membershlp A total of 321 applications were received with 272 taking up the offer of a place. a slight drop on 2023 but within expected year to year fluctuations and maintaining healthy membership levels across all 4 ensembles. Auditions for symphony orchestra and concert band took place in Glasgow during November while the tradition of offering places to training ensemble members on the basis of a teacher report continued to avoid the need for auditions for younger pupi15. Membership was distributed acr05S the four ensamblas as follows.. nsem em Contert Band Symphony Orchestra Training Band String Orchestra Total 60 60 92 46 72 88 63 74 63 61 272 66 292 52 233 WSSSO Mémbers, St Andrews, June '24

2024 Calendar of Events & Artivities srRING ORCHESTRA Directed b David O'connell Event Venue & Dtt*ls Sunday 28 April Taster Day 10am-4.30pm. Notre Dame HS. Greenock Sunday 12 May Sectional Rehearsals 10am- 4pm. Notre Oame HS. Greenock 11am- 3.30pm, University of 5trathclyde, Royal Colle8e Buildin& Assembly Hall. Sunday 16 June SCO Workshop Sun- Wed 1-4 September Residential 4 Day Course Ardentinny Outdoor Educaiion Centre Sunday 15 September Morning Rehearsal Grand Hall. City Halls, Glasgow Sunday IS Sept•mb•r TRAINING BAND Directed b Michelle Mccabe 3.(Kl>m, Grand Hall, Halls, Glas8ow Event Venue & Detai15 Sunday 28 April Tasier Day 10am-4.30pm, Paisley Grammar School Sunday 12 May Sectional Rehearsals 10am- 4pm. Paisley Grammar Schi)ol Mon- Thu 2-5 September Residential 4 Day Course Lendrick Muir, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross Sunday 15 September Morning Rehearsal Grand Hall. City Halls, Glasgow Sunday CONCERT BAND Directed by Chris Mitchell 15 September Afternoon Concert 3.OOprn, Grand Hall. Clty Halls. Glasgow Event Venue & Deto11$ Sunday 21 April Taster Dav 10am-4.30pm, Notre Dame HS, Greenock Sat-Fri 1-7 lune Residential Course Lendrick Muir. Rumbling Bridge, Kinr055 Friday 7 June Afternoon Rehearsal 2-5pm, GRCH New Auditorium Frlday 7 June Evenln8 Concert 7-9pm, GRCH New Auditorium 10am- 4.￿pm, Notre Datne HS. Greenock 4pm- 5.30pm, Grand Hall. City Hall5. Glasgow 7.00pm, Grand H811, fjty Halls, Glas8OW Sunday 18 August Rehearsal Tuesday 20 Augus1 Afternoon Rehearsal Tuesday 20 August SYMPHONY ORCHE5fRA Dlretted by James Lowe Sunday 21 April Showcase Concert Event Venue & Details Taster Dav 10am- 4.30pm. Paisley Grammar School Sun- Sat 2 8June Residential Course Universtty Hall, St Andrews Sunday 9June AftÈrnoon Rehearsal 2-5pm, Ayr Town Hall Sunday 9 June Evening Concert 7-9pm. Ayr Town Hall Sunday 18 Au8USt Rehearsal 10am- 4.(M)pm. Paisley Grammar school 1.30pm- 3,30pm, Grand Hall, Ciry Halls, Glas ow Tuesday 20 August Afternoon Rehearsal Tuesday 20 August Show¢ase Concert 7.OQpm. Grand Holl. aty Halls. Glasgow The ensembles followed a well-established routine of rehearsals and concert avents which included a Taster Day, residential course, and a Showcase Concert held in Glasgow.

String Orchestra Taster Day, April ‘24

2024 Season Highlights

For the 1[st] time since before the Covid pandemic, the Concerto Competition was held at City Halls during March with 7 orchestra members, nominated as outstanding during the auditions, taking part. provided the accompaniment and adjudicated a very strong field, eventually selecting Inverclyde flautist, , as the overall winner. performed Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute at Ayr Town Hall during June and at City Halls during August’ Senior Showcase.

The Concert Band welcomed back Course Director, who joined in his first full year as Artistic Director of the Concert Band. The band’s performance at City Halls during August was notable for the high level of musicianship achieved and it’s clear that and are a formidable team, ensuring staff are well led and highly motivated and ensemble members fulfil their potential as musicians and young people in a safe and nurturing environment.

String Orchestra members took part in an enjoyable workshop day with members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra led by

The Training Ensembles, undertaking their 10[th] season since they were launched in 2025, enjoyed a very successful period of courses during September leading to a highly successful Training Ensembles Showcase at City Halls on Sunday 15[th] September where a large and appreciative audience enjoyed a wide range of musical styles performed with maturity and flair by our young members.

Feedback from the season’s events has once again been entirely positive and encouraging. The following examples are just a few of those received:

1. I just wanted to say thanks so much to all those who help to make these incredibly ambitious concerts happen. It really was a treat this weekend - two fantastic concerts featuring so many amazing young musicians. Our daughters returned from their residentials really excited by the music, the fun they had and the friends they made. Please pass on our appreciation to all involved.” (Parent)

5

  1. Thanksfor inviting me to ot West thi5 yeor. It W175 ¢T really enjoyable experAence with o great group of staff and young people. The concerts wereft7b t7nd the atmosphere of the Course was worm, nurturing whilststrivingfor musieol excellence. A hord bolonee tofind sometimes. (Tutor)
  2. The pupils of mine who ottended this yeor hod ofontostic time. They all come back absolutely buzzing! Full of complimentsfor theirsection tutors t7ndfor conductor, Dt7ve! (Instrumentol Teocherj
  3. The stt7ff were ret711y nice and inclusive and Ifeel like a more confident performer after my experience (Ensemble Member)
  4. Thanks to everyone who organised it. It wos a great trip and great experience with t7n omozing conductor and house stoff (Ensemble Member) Ensemble Programmes All 4 Artistic Dirertors selected programmes reflecting the strengths within each section and ensuring rewarding and enjoyable challenge for members. Con(8rt Bund Directed byChri¥ Mitchell Fanfare-The Benediction from Sky and Mother Earth Flying Jewels Breaking Point 4 Scoiiish Dances Animation Arabesque Irish Tune from County Derry Last letter from Muidoch Blues Shades Un Cafecito Symphony Orchestra Dlre£ted by James Lowe Toast of rhe Town- Overture12016- 20201 for Orchestra

Concertino for Flute (Soloist.. Cody Macdonaldl Symphonie Fantastique Tralnlng Band Dlre¢ted by Mkhelle Mccabe Shakelford Banks The Flood Mazama Nightson8 The Great Locomotive Chase Call of the Valley Strfng Orthestra Dlre¢ted by Davld Iyconnell Overture from ludu5 Maiabeus Rh05ytnedre The Bird Fancyer's Delight by Philip Wilbv Romance in C op.42 Intrada for Strings Staffing Throughout the season, a dedicated team of 72 staff members provided support for WSSO activities. The core team of course and artistic directors, was supported bytutors and house staff who all worked with enerbry and skill to provida an outstanding and memorable experience for members. directing his 20 season, was recognised for his incredible support of WSSSO, during a reception at City Halls before the Senior Showcase. was recognised during the vote of thanks for his 10-year service to the String Orchestra, delivering musical excellence combined with warm and friendly manner which encourages members and ensures high rnorale among Staff. nwn Artlstlc & Course Dlrectors 2024 Name Ensemble Ro Srring Orthesira String Orchestra Training Band Training Band Concert Band Concert Band Artisiit Director Course Director Artlslic Oirector Course Director Artisiic Direttor Course Director Symphony Orchestra Symphony Orchestra Artlslic Oirector Course Director

Outstanding Ensemble Member5- Season 2024 Wlnner Orchestia Concerto Soloi5l Orchestia Leader Otjtstanding Member of the Training Band Outstanding Member ol the String Oichestra Outstanding Mernberlsl of the Concert 8and Winner of the Michael Sroakes Trophy 2024 Outstanding Mernberlsl of the Symphony Orchestra Winner of the Michael Stoakes Trophy 2024 Finance The draft accounts to 31 July 2024, ar8 expected to become available early in 2025. The shortfall resulting frorn a significant increase in operating c05t5 during 2023, is expected to be addressed in the short term by the transfer of endowment funds totalling £IOO,000, from Glasgow City Council to the WSSO account. Thè Génèral Mana8Èr continues to monitor thè finantial outlook ¢losÈly to ensure • steady and stable platform on which to build the season's annual activities. Training Ensèmbl$s, Nèw Auditorium, Sopt8mbèr '23 10 years of Tralnlng Ensembl8 Actlvlty The String Orchestra and Training Band launched in 2015 following consultation with local authority partners and stakeholders across the country. As part of our review of the season, members were invited to complete a questionnaire to help provide greater understandirhg of the impart the training ensembles have on the young people taking part each year. Their responses are summarised below. Onoscilvof I Ipourl lo 5{Bxc￿￿￿)￿jWY￿m￿￿y0U￿t￿It￿Cv￿duriO

Staff

Music

Food, Accommodation & Activities

Impact

Survey Conclusions

It is apparent that training ensemble members greatly value their experience with WSSO and there is a great deal to be pleased about among the responses above. One area for development which has been highlighted, is that perhaps programmes could include one more difficult piece to ensure the level overall is more challenging than that encountered locally. This is something for discussion over the coming months as we prepare for season 2025.

Concert Band, New Auditorium, June ‘24

9

Financial Summary

Income for the year includes the transfer of £100,000 from GCC to the University account. A significant portion of these funds is intended for transfer to a savings account with the aim of generating approximately 4-5% interest annually.

When these funds are disregarded, the accounts highlight that income increased by £18k during the period covered when compared to July ’23, while expenditure rose by £6k, largely due to an increase in costs related to Accommodation.

The General Manager has continued to work throughout the 2[nd] half of 2024 and early 2025 to increase incoming resources while identifying opportunities to reduce expenditure, the details of which are included in Paper 3.1, Plans for Season 2025.

Acknowledgement

The continuing strength and resilience of the Trust, coupled with the high standards of musicianship achieved during the season, are evidence of the very successful work undertaken by WSSO staff and the strong support of local authority partners and the university of Strathclyde. As always, I would like to place on record my thanks to all the organisations and individuals who come together to support the work of the Trust.

10

WEST OF SCOTLAND SCHOOLS ORCHESTRA TRUST CHARITY NO. SC029370

Statement of Financial Activities : For the Year to 31 July 2024

Income Funds: Funds: Endowed Total Total
General Restricted Fund 31.07.24 31.07.23
Purposes
Notes £ £ £ £ £
Incoming Resources
Donations 30,769.69 30,769.69 32,174.58
Donation - University of Strathclyde 10,329.75 10,329.75 7,392.75
Fund Raising 0.00 0.00 0.00
Local Authority Grants 68,865.00 68,865.00 49,285.00
Member Contributions & Ticket Sales 97,110.00 97,110.00 102,260.00
Receipt of Bequeathed Funds 6 100,000.00 100,000.00 0.00
Investment income: 0 0.00 0.00
Deposit Income 2 3,972.92 3,972.92 1,453.80
Total incoming resources 311,047.36 0.00 0.00 311,047.36 192,566.13
Expenditure
Direct charitable expenditure
Equipment & Repairs 0.00 0.00 0.00
Fees - Directors, etc. 3 72,276.84 72,276.84 80,074.88
Musical Supplies 2,459.53 2,459.53 5,355.76
Courses and Concerts Expenses 384.10 384.10 0.00
Transport 14,894.22 14,894.22 13,645.36
Expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00
Accommodation 104,208.90 104,208.90 91,788.67
Miscellaneous 3,379.13 3,379.13 3,748.31
Depreciation 216.31 216.31 559.32
197,819.03 0.00 0.00 197,819.03 195,172.30
Promotional Activities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Management & Administration
Insurances 1,126.69 1,126.69 1,126.69
Printing & Stationery 884.37 884.37 919.62
Legal Costs 0.00 0.00 0.00
Miscellaneous 0.00 0.00 0.00
Fees paid to Independent Examiner 902.00 902.00 775.00
General Manager Costs 35,873.05 35,873.05 35,505.63
Contribution to Support Services 10,329.75 10,329.75 7,392.75
49,115.86 0.00 0.00 49,115.86 45,719.69
Total Expenditure 246,934.89 0.00 0.00 246,934.89 240,891.99
Net Incoming Resources 64,112.47 0.00 0.00 64,112.47 (48,325.86)
Total funds brought forward 80,344.58 0.00 0.00 80,344.58 128,670.44
Total funds carried forward £ 144,457.05 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 144,457.05 £ 80,344.58
Statement of Net Expenditure for the Year to 31 July 2024
Total Total
2024 2023
£ £ £
Gross income as above:
General purposes fund 311,047.36
Restricted funds 0.00
311,047.36 192,566.13
Total expenditure as above:
General purposes fund 246,934.89
Restricted funds 0.00
246,934.89 240,891.99
Net (expenditure)/income for the year £ 64,112.47 £ (48,325.86)

13

WEST OF SCOTLAND SCHOOLS ORCHESTRA TRUST

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Musical Instruments
4
Containers, Laptop & Mobile Phone
4
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors & prepayments
177,143.91
CURRENT LIABILITIES: payable within one year
Creditors and Accruals
(101,700.86)
Net Current Liabilities
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
Net Assets
FUNDS
Income funds:
General Purpose Fund
Approved by the Trustees on
2nd April 2025		 2024
2023
£
£
69,014.00
0.00
69,014.00
69,230.31
177,143.91
(101,700.86)
75,443.05
11,114.27
144,457.05
80,344.58
£ 144,457.05
£
80,344.58
£ 144,457.05
£
80,344.58

Signed on behalf of Trustees

14

West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 July 2024

1 Accounting Policies

General

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. The financial statement have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Depreciation Policy

Due to the nature of the assets being musical instruments and the fact that they generally hold their value, no depreciation has been allowed for in the year. Containers are depreciated 20% straight line basis over the useful economic life. Computer equipment is depreciated 33% straight line basis over the useful economic life.

Fees above comprise
Artistic Directors
Part-time Tutors / Course Directors		 Basic
£
8,526.00
63,750.84
72,276.84		 National
Superannuation
Total
Insurance
£
£
£
-
8,526.00
63,750.84
-
-
72,276.84

4 Fixed Assets for use by the Trust.

The musical instruments are shown at the estimated market value at the date of recognition of the Trust (28 August 1999)

Cost
At 1st August 2023
Purchases
At 31st July 2024
Depreciation
At 1st August 2023
Charge for year
At 31st July 2024
Net Book Value
At 1st August 2023
At 31st July 2024
Analysis of Net Assets by Fund
Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Long Term Liabilities
Fund Balance		 Musical
Instruments
69,014.00
69,014.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
69,014.00
69,014.00
General
Purpose Fund
£
69,014.00
177,143.91
(101,700.86)
0.00
144,457.05		 Containers
Computer
Equipment
Total
11,655.78
1,677.95
82,347.73
0.00		 Containers
Computer
Equipment
Total
11,655.78
1,677.95
82,347.73
0.00
11,655.78
1,677.95
82,347.73
11,655.78
1,461.64
13,117.42
216.31
216.31
11,655.78
1,677.95
13,333.73
0.00
216.31
69,230.31
0.00
0.00
69,014.00
Endowed
Funds
£
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00		 Total
£
69,014.00
177,143.91
(101,700.86)
0.00
144,457.05

15

6 Funds and Fund Transfers

Strathclyde Region Fund

This fund, which is held in trust by Glasgow City Council, under a separate Trust, was set up originally by Strathclyde Regional Council, with the purpose of helping to fund the continuing activities of the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra. In accordance with the stated terms of the deed, the revenue from the fund is transferred annually to the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust's General Purpose Fund.

During the year to 31 July 2024, the Trustees of WSSO have decided that the bequeathed funds held in the separate Trust set up by the Strathclyde Regional Council will be released to WSSO

and held in general fund in order to boost the Trust's reserves and with the aim to earn higher interest income.

7 Trustee's Remuneration and Expenses

No remuneration, directly or indirectly, out of the funds of the Trust, was paid or payable for the year, to any trustee or to any person or persons known to be connected with any of them.

No reimbursement of expenses has been made or is due to be made to any of the trustees in respect of the year.

8 Fees paid to Independent Examiner

Fees paid to Independent Examiner comprise: Fees for Independent Examination 902.00 Fees for other services - 902.00

16