The Rise of Music in St Andrews
- Olivia Kendall
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In 2022, St Andrews saw a shift in its cultural scene with the opening of the Laidlaw Music Centre. What came along was a passion and community for all types of music, diversifying the student life and bringing a strong sense of creativity to the town.
Laidlaw is the first building dedicated to music in the university’s history. Music modules and lessons are offered there, causing an increased appreciation for music as an academic subject. It has provided many opportunities for students to embrace their passion, such as percussionist Issie Hanson, who told me: “Laidlaw Music Centre has provided [her] with numerous opportunities to develop as a musician. Last year, the Chamber Orchestra undertook two world premieres, and [she] was lucky enough to play with select brass musicians on BBC Scotland at Christmas.”
Laidlaw has become a central area of support from the University to those interested in pursuing both classical and non-classical music practices; offering rehearsal spaces for musical theatre numbers, band practice, or studio production. This increased support from the University begs the question: should a music degree be introduced to St Andrews?
One prevalent society — who perform every Thursday at the Union — is the beloved JazzWorks, which features a variety of jazz musicians and vocalists. The stage is open to all, harbouring a unique environment you won’t find anywhere else in the University. You can feel the unbridled joy of socialising, dancing, singing, and forming a community.
2023 saw the introduction of Signpost, known for its journalistic magazine and live music events. I talked with Co-Founder Sage Purdon and Co-Head for Communications and Operations Gigi Beeson on Signpost’s impact on the student music scene.
Sage told me that, just four years ago, the music scene was nothing comparable to what we have now. Signpost was born out of an idea by co-founder Ashvin, who passionately pitched the magazine to Sage. Without hesitation, she jumped on board.
Gigi spoke highly of the strong community that comes with Signpost: “Our musicians are from all kinds of backgrounds and genres, and we never want to exclude people who want to perform; and it’s a space where the bands can experiment with their music. It’s just one of those things [where] there’s a form of connection”.
Courtesy of Fool Circle
Each band has their own unique message and charm. Thrush for defying social norms; The Macaroni’s for their dynamic performance; Raincheck and The Herons for their originality; and Fool Circle for their consistent and impressive improvements.
Signpost values and aims to uphold this. Sage wanted Signpost “to consistently be this space where smaller bands take a stand and aren’t afraid to be different and try something new … Signpost was never designed to be for ‘the cool people’. It was always supposed to be a space where anyone can come together and be part of it, it’s not for one specific group”.
When asked the importance of music on student life and student culture, Sage responded, “St Andrews becomes such an energy draining organisation, and I think that student bands … and creative societies are a really good way to have something to do and something to help you get a grip on your life outside of [academics].”
Gigi added, “I think it makes people feel a part of something bigger than St Andrews, and maybe bigger than the persona that they give themselves in the academic setting.”
St Andrews is often credited with a lack of appropriate venues for a good music event, though there are undoubted efforts of the students to host events, anyway. Jazzworks capitalises on the Union, as Music Fund does with Sandy’s Bar, as Signpost does with local pubs.
I recently attended a Music Fund event at Sandy’s Bar in the union featuring Fool Circle and The Herons. The energy present in the crowd, and the connection built with the performers was unmatched to that of any other 601 event. It entirely exceeded my expectations and proved to be an amazing night out. As the semester comes to a close, we will see the last of the music events in the coming week - so do not miss out. Find Signpost in Aikmans on Monday and The Rule on Friday, and Jazzworks in the Union on Thursday.
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