Stover’s First Music Festival took place last Saturday. Its aim was to give young people, aged 9 – 18 years within the Teignbridge and surrounding area, an opportunity to perform and share their musical talents. Over 50 local schools were invited to take part. The Adjudicatior Ailsa Howarth, BA, PGCA, listenend to over 75 local young musicians and vocalists. The standard of entry was extremely high with outstanding performances from all participants. The winners were presented with a beautiful contemporary award designed by Teign Valley Glass. Winners and award sponsors are as follows:
Class 1 – Instrumental Solo (academic years 5-6) – James Twomey. Sponsor “The Gwen & James Bruce Memorial Trust”
Class 2 – Vocal Solo (academic years 5-6) – Rosie Carter. Sponsor “Dr Pene J Key OBE MB, Bs MSc”
Class 3 – Instrumental Solo (academic years 7-9) – Jack Highley. Sponsor “The Musical Instrument Company”
Class 4 – Vocal Solo (academic years 7-9) – Georgie Allen. Sponsor “The Mid Devon Advertiser”
Class 5 – Instrumental Solo (academic years 10-13) – Alvin Lo. Sponsor “Teign Music”
Class 6 – Vocal Solo (academic years 10-13) – Meghan Callaghan. Sponsor Major J V Lambert, QARANC Retired
Class 7 – Piano Duet (academic years 5-13) – Velika Lee & Charlotte Lai. Sponsor “Teign Valley Glass”
Class 8 – Ensemble – Hysteria (Kian Tozer, Joshua Tozer, Ben Cornish, Zach Cornish, Maissie Shaw). Sponsor “Caroline Whitehead”
Feedback received included: " I thought the adjudicator was great – she seemed to know exactly how to deal with the fact that she was judging different instruments, ages, pieces etc and was lovely and also constructive." "The feedback they received from Ailsa Howarth was very good. I was extremely happy that she took the time to speak to each candidate individually and offer some genuine and thoughtful advice / feedback." " It was a pleasure to watch such a talented group of students and attend such a well organised event."
It is hoped the 2012 Festival will be even bigger and better.