13 June 2018

Tonight we heard the third and final phase of this year’s solo competition, the junior category, which presented seven performances in front of our visiting adjudicator, Tim Bennett OA, the Director of Music at Cheam Preparatory School near Newbury. 

There were some really impressive performances from a range of instruments, including woodwind, brass, strings and piano. The age range of performers was from 1st to 4th Year and included both seasoned players and new boys, such as First Year, Alexander Darbishire, who has been with us since September.

The other performers included Luc Tucker (bassoon), Thomas Harding (saxophone), Oliver Glover (cello), Scott Yap (oboe), Oliver Northwood (clarinet) and Luke Prior (tuba).

The final decision was very close. Luke Prior came 3rd with If I Were a Rich Man, Luc Tucker, 2nd, with Vivaldi’s Sonata No 5 and Oliver Northwood, 1st, with Kozeluch’s Clarinet Concerto (slow movement).

Mr Bennett made some really encouraging and inspiring comments about all of the performances with helpful suggestions for moving to the next level and lots of things for the performers to think about. The standard was very high throughout.

It was particularly good to see in the audience some fellow boarders coming from the houses to offer support for their friends.

Our thanks to all the teachers who helped prepare the boys, to our accompanist, Lynette Stulting, and of course to the boys, themselves, for a lovely programme for this competition, which, now in its third year has maintained the excellent standard of last year’s. 

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