Young Musicians
The annual Young Musicians of the Year Competition Finals took place in the Birley Centre on 6 and 13 March. Approximately one-tenth of the College community competed in this year’s competition with thirty eight performances selected for the final rounds.
The audiences were treated to well-prepared and thoroughly enjoyable performances in all three categories with a variety of musical styles on display. This year’s adjudicator Julian Broughton (composer and pianist) reviewed the performances with sensitivity and humour, combining well deserved praise with constructive and helpful suggestions for improvement.
Thanks must go to the audiences for their tremendous support and appreciation and also to the accompanists – David Force, Richard Lakin and Jane Mansergh – for working with the pupils to prepare such polished performances.
The winner of the Grade Five and Under Category was James Tomlinson (piano), Grades Six and Seven Category, Maddie Taylor (flute) and the winner of the Grade Eight and above Category was William Hatfield (drums).
William produced a dazzling performance on the drum kit of the finale from the well-known musical, Billy Elliot. He holds the title of Young Musician of the Year for 2014.
The photographs below show the competitors in the Grade Five and Under category, the Grade Six and Seven category and a selction of the pupils who competed in the Grade Eight and Over category.(Left to right)
