Harris Trust Music Programme

After captivating audiences for years as a key member of the renowned band Frightened Rabbit, musician and songwriter Billy Kennedy has embarked on a new journey with his solo project, Haiver. He emphasises the profound impact of the Harris Trust and S.P.a.R.k.S project on his return to recording and performing, as well as its role in helping him overcome some of his own mental health and anxiety challenges.

A former student of Selkirk High School, Billy was deeply honoured to be invited to serve as the Patron of the S.P.a.R.k.S project last year. He passionately shared his extensive knowledge and experiences in all facets of the music industry, cultivated during his 16-year career as a full-time professional musician. In one-on-one sessions, Billy effectively bolstered the students' confidence and ensured that they found joy in their performances.

Billy firmly believes that project-based learning is invaluable for students and wishes such initiatives had been available during his own school years!

Mat is a performer and educator with 27 years experience of working with a wide variety of groups. He brings his expertise of world percussion - everything from Brazilian samba to African grooves, drum and bass to ceilidh-inspired Scottish jigs. He is a specialist in unusual percussion instruments such as the berimbau, pandeiro, udu, atabaque, timbales and cajon. Mat has performed in most towns and major festivals in the UK, and taken his drumming skills across Europe, the US, China, India and Australia.

Graduating from the Academy of Music and Sound (Glasgow) in 2023, Sam has been working in the contemporary music business as a freelance musician since he was 13 years old. His band'3 out of 4' have toured Scotland and the North of England. Sam has worked on music projects with Sound Cycle, Borders Young Creatives, Live Borders, CABN, Creative Scotland and Hit the Road. Sam brings his experience of being neurodivergent to help other young people increase their confidence and sense of belonging. This is enabled through workshop- style learning and practical experiences relating to the contemporary music industry.

Devin is a Borders-based musician known for her distinctive alt/pop songwriting, deft guitar playing and dynamic live performances. She has toured Scotland as part of the ‘Hit the Road’ project and supported many well-known artists, including a national run of shows with Del Amitri. Having gained valuable experience in collaboration and creative development, Devin brings her technical skills and insight into performing, writing, and navigating the music industry to SPaRKs.