Rotary Musicians Play it Again

7th May, 2008, by J Owens

On Sunday 27 April 2008 Mendip Rotary hosted the annual Young Musician competition at The Kings of Wessex School. This was the culmination of many weeks of rehearsals in what was considered by many in the audience to be the best ever event.

Following auditions in March a total of 46 young people participated in various acts and ensembles, enjoyed by an audience of nearly 200 another record for the competition, contributing to the joyful atmosphere of music-making.

The evening ended on a musical high with Kings' Big Band playing a few numbers to entertain the rapt audience whilst the judges made their final decisions. A thoroughly good evening was had by all celebrating the tradition of music across the schools.

Commenting on the successful evening Rotarian David Pottow said "The standard of music playing and singing seems to improve year-on-year, a tribute to the Music Teachers in the Cheddar Valley."

The winners of each section were as follows:

Soloists
First Schools - Ben Lynch playing the Trombone (Axbridge First School)
Middle Schools - Timothy Lucas playing the Trombone (Hugh Sexey's)
Upper School - Josh Day playing the Piano (The Kings of Wessex)
Sixth Form - Tom Higgs playing the Piano (The Kings of Wessex)

Ensembles
Middle Schools - Sam and Jack Hanlon playing the trumpet (Hugh Sexey's)
Upper Schools - Ben Crompton and Sam Hanlon playing the cornet (The Kings of Wessex)
Sixth Form - Phil Lee, Ben Smithers, Stuart Ponsford playing Drums, Bass Guitar and Guitar (The Kings of Wessex)