During March, more than sixty students auditioned for a place in our annual ‘Musician of the Year’ solo competition.
The standards were very high with students from all year groups performing on a variety of instruments or as vocalists. 24 students were announced as the finalists and rehearsals were then underway in preparation for the final.
Thursday 3rd May was the date set for our soloists to perform to an audience of family and friends and to find the winner. Without exception, every student overcame their nerves and their hard work paid off, with all performing brilliantly – impressing the audience and judge.
The judge this year was local professional musician Dan Greenaway who is an acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter who recently won ‘Best Solo Musical Act’ at the National Wedding Industry Awards.
At the end of the evening, Dan gave his summary remarks highlighting that judging was very difficult, and awarded the following prize winners:
Highly Commended – Emily Wheeler (electric guitar) and Darcey Prodanovic (piano)
Most Promising Musician – Niamh Alcock (vocals)
Junior Winner (Year 7 & 8) – Millie Stanway (vocals)
3rd – Jarrad Heath (vocals)
2nd – Kirsty Vale (vocals)
1st – Abbie Wheeler (cello)
This is the second consecutive time that Abbie has won the competition. She was presented with a trophy sponsored by the Arrow Valley Band, engraved with her name, a certificate and an Amazon gift card.
Thank you to Dan Greenaway for judging, the staff who helped out behind the scenes and Jake Haggett in Year 11 who managed the sound and lights for us.
Congratulations to all students who were involved and to the finalists who performed with such confidence and professionalism; lets see what 2019 brings!
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- Abbie Wheeler
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- Emily Wheeler
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- Joe Hyde
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- Niamh Alcock
