A number of Wellington School pupils won outstanding accolades at the Taunton Festival of the Arts this week.
Singers and musicians across all ages won a range of awards;
Esta Felix in Year 12 won 1st prize in two categories of Musical Theatre with her mellifluous renditions of “Green Finch, Yellow Linnet” from Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd and the romantic “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.”
Abigail Govey also won two 1st prizes in the Under 14 category, with “Remember” from Sondheim’s Evening Primrose, and Ombra Mai Fu, from Handel’s Xerxes.
Naomi Jacob won 1st prize in the Under 12 piano category with Bach’s lovely Solfegietti and Frances Jameson and Marcia Reah won joint second prize in the Under 12 woodwind category.
The boys performed outstandingly also, with Kyle Miller coming 2nd in the Under 12 1950’s Musical Theatre category and our own supremo Cameron Forrest came out with a massive haul of medals! He won the John Playall Cup for singing and the Sacred Solo category and also came second in two musical theatre categories. Well done to you all – it was a splendid result amid many talented performers from around the County.
The lovely Lower School Girl’s choir Bel Canto came first in the Under 12 category with “Not While I’m Around,” from Sweeny Todd and “School Song” from Matilda. Well done girls!
The Taunton Festival, which is held annually at the Methodist Church in Taunton exists to encourage and promote the performance and enjoyment of arts. Aiming particularly, but not exclusively, at young people it provides a challenge and a unique opportunity to perform in a competitive and non-competitive situation in front of adjudicators, all experienced professionals, offering teaching at the highest level.
Music classes are held in piano, strings, woodwind, brass, recorders, composition and vocal. Drama classes include verse speaking, prepared reading, public speaking, mime, and acting. Dance classes include Classical, Cabaret, Ballet, Character, Modern, Tap, Song & Dance, Lyrical and Choreography.
A Film Festival has also been introduced.
Competitors receive verbal and written adjudication scripts and certificates. Cups, trophies and medals are awarded in some classes.