Next we had two classes of chamber music - the Chamber Music: Duo/Trio/Quartet class, followed by the Chamber Ensemble: Junior School Age class. I do enjoy these classes, if anything, just to see the fabulous 'forest of cellos' every year, lined up by the stage! The Duo/Trio/Quartet class was contested by four lovely little groups of performers. One particular moment which was rather sweet was Forest School Strings standing absolutely statue-like waiting for the bell to ring - seriously, I don't think they even blinked while waiting! Just goes to show the power of the eisteddfod bell, and just how well disciplined this group were! The winners of this class were Matilda and Sam Cole, who performed a really beautiful arrangement of 'Danny Boy'. There's some very promising and expressive playing within this duo, and I really hope they continue to keep playing together. In the Ensemble class, one thing I did notice was something that may have gone unnoticed for most people, and that was who actually arranged most of the music! If you look in the program you will notice that Mary Cordall arranged 3 out of the 5 pieces in this class. I think Mary did a fabulous job in arranging music that allowed each group to highlight their strengths, so thank you Mary for all your hard work on helping these youngsters to create music! Another super class of music making, which was won by Vauvert String; a wonderfully large group who showed excellent teamwork and ensemble playing, well done all!
- When adjudicating these classes, Elizabeth asked the students to remember that they need to thank their music teachers for everything they do for them; finding the music, organising the rehearsals, guiding you and supporting you in lessons and in performance! So I will reiterate that - thank you music teachers! Long may you all continue to help people make and enjoy music!
Closing the morning session we had two instrumental classes; the Violin Under 11, followed by the Orchestral Woodwind Under 16. Elizabeth had some very interesting advice for these young performers, the one which I enjoyed hearing the most was about understanding the music. She stated that, "If you're singing or playing anything, then you should research the composer." - This is definitely something that more musicians should be doing in general, as it gives you a deeper understanding as to a composer's aesthetic, and where they are coming from with their approach to music. The violin class in particular showcased some wonderful upcoming talent, with the top three performers all receiving Distinction; Matilda Cole in 3rd place, Joseph Stoller in 2nd, and Sam Cole winning the class for his performance of Sonata No. 11 in G Minor by Eccles. The Orchestral Woodwind class was won by Madison Devaney with a Highly Commended, performing Concerto in D Major by Mozart, on the Flute.
The afternoon session started with four brass classes; the Brass Solo Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, and the Brass Duo/Trio/Quartet Under 18. Brass instruments have such character and warmth of sound to them, so it's great to hear the variety of repertoire being explored on them as well. One piece which featured a few times this afternoon was 'The Acrobat' by John Greenwood, a delightful piece which really creates a sense of clowning and the circus. The winners of each class were Joe Andrijasevic in the Under 14 for his Trumpet piece 'Chanson Napolitaine', and because the Under 16 and 18 classes actually compete for the same trophy, it was Kurt Carre in the Under 18 who took the trophy with is French Horn performance of 'I Dreamed a Dream'. The next two classes were the Viola Under 14, followed by the Viola Under 16. Often, the poor viola gets overshadowed by it's smaller more popular family member, the violin, so it's great to see some really quality viola playing from these young musicians. I love the sound of a well-played viola, I think it just has such a rich tonal quality.... call me mad, but I describe it as a 'nutty' sound.... I'm aware that sounds entirely insane on my part, but I ask you all, how would you describe it?... Anyway, I digress - this was a fantastic set of classes, which were both won by George Walker, in the Under 14s for his 'Christmas Dance', and the Under 16's for 'Elegie for Viola and Piano'. I do want to also mention Izabella Dupre for her rendition of 'America' from West Side Story. I think Izabella is starting to develop a lovely sense of musicality, and showing real command of her instrument - well done!
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| Keeping it in the family: Luchelli being presented with The Janet and TonyBran Memorial Trophy by Carrie Ewin |
Duo/Trio/Quartet Under 15, followed by the Pop Duo/Trio/Quartet 15 & Under 18. Some lovely partnership and ensemble singing happening in these classes. Elizabeth talked about how important it is within ensembles like this to really think about where the tune lies within the texture of the part writing, as this will dictate which part needs to sing out more. The Under 15s class was had a very high standard, as each competitor received a Distinction mark. On this occasion it was won by Erin Vaudin & Freya Le Noury for their version of 'Somewhere only We Know' by Keane. The Under 18s class in particular had some really interesting choices in music; a well-arranged duet of 'Man in the Mirror' by Michael Jackson, a really fun trio version of 'Help' by the Beatles featuring a self-accompanied part on the Banjolele (and of course I know want one for myself!), and I really enjoyed Holly Kidd and Toby Giles' performance of 'Back to You'. I found that Holly and Toby's voices blend incredibly well, and I thought their delivery was really engaging. The winners of the class were Luchelli with an Outstanding, which made for a rather heart-warming moment to close the afternoon. The trophy for this class is new for this year, 'The Janet and Tony Bran Memorial Trophy'. Many of you will remember Janet Bran and what an ambassador she was for the Eisteddfod. It was wonderful, not only to see her daughter Carrie Ewin present the trophy, but actually present it to her daughter Lottie and her friends who make up Luchelli. It's moments like this that really make the Eisteddfod for me #imnotcryingyourcrying
The Tuesday evening session is always traditionally the orchestral ensemble classes - it's always a jam-packed with amazing talent and is a true showcase for the good work that music education is offering, especially within the schools. There is so much to be learned from working within an ensemble; discipline, leadership skills, team-work, and most importantly a sense of ownership and responsibility. First up we had the Guernsey Grammar School Training Orchestra, and the Elizabeth College Junior Windband in the Music Making Secondary School Age class - a great way to start of the evening with these young performers. There was a definite theme running through this class of the classic rock'n'roll numbers, with both groups performing numbers by the Beatles. Both groups gave solid performances, and I hope they continue to work on their ensemble playing and musicianship skills. On this occasion it was the Guernsey Grammar School Training Orchestra who won the class with a Highly Commended. Following these training groups, we had the slightly older and more experienced groups of the Guernsey Music Centre Brass Band, the Guernsey Grammar School and 6th Form Centre, and the Ladies College Senior Strings performing in the Orchestra, Band, Instrumental Ensemble Secondary School Age for the Christopher Award. some more traditional pieces in this class, for example The Capriol Suite performed by Ladies College Senior Strings, which I have enjoyed playing myself, and really enjoyed hearing again. A quality standard of class with these performers, with each of them receiving a Distinction mark , but it was the Guernsey Music Centre Brass Band who won the class and took home the trophy.
The next class was class 1114 Orchestra, Band or Instrumental Ensemble Open - to clarify a little confusion, this class is specifically for smaller ensembles, and isn't actually the same as the class that follows it in the programme (class 1115), although it reads that way. Only one competitor in this class, the superbly named 'Manic Street Teachers', who won the class with a Distinction mark of 89 for their performance of Dreigroschenmusik by Kurt Weill. The final class of the evening was the Orchestra, Band or Instrumental Ensemble Open, which featured four ensembles of incredibly high standard. The repertoire explored in this class was also fabulous, with St Sampson's Community Stage Sound bossing one of my favourite songs, 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder, and The Grammar School Orchestra performing 'Pinball Wizard' by The Who. It was clear from the marking that this groups really pushed the boat out with performances, as the Grammar School Jazz Band came in 2nd with an Outstanding 90, and St Sampson's Community Stage Sound won with an Outstanding 91.
A fabulous way to mark the halfway point of the Eisteddfod, closing out the evening with a celebration of music education really showing it's worth and purpose in within the Guernsey community. Congratulations to all involved in todays fabulous display of music. More please!
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