"Live Music is so Important"

This statement that could not be more true, and it's one that this year's adjudicator holds in high regard.

Kenneth Ian Hytch (Ian as he likes to be known) comes across as very positive, but also fair and helpfully constructive (the type of adjudicator I like the most!). He has lots of good things to say about everyone, and so far is proving to be an encyclopedia of helpful and inspirational quotes. Although I was not able to attend the afternoon session today, I heard from friends and parents of participating students that they also agreed with my sentiment that he is a very good adjudicator: "friendly, but firm" I believe was one expression.  He's also very engaging and likes to get young musicians trying new things and techniques that may ultimately help them improve - all good things!
- That being said, he's what I would call a 'low-marker'. He has commented on the high standard of the performances so far, but this 'high standard' seems to have peaked at an 86 (Highly Commended), whereas some adjudicators that have come previous years would be marking 88-90 for 'high standard' - However, I am rather liking that he is marking each class with it's own criteria, and quite rightly so. You can't compare off-the-wall jazz with classical piano, and he doesn't try to. 

From the performers tonight we had a very eclectic range of styles, as is customary with our Eisteddfod. From the Grammar School Senior Choir Singers kicking of the evening with a jam-packed musicals medley, through some power-housing solo piano through to the Vocal Classe Superieure. With the program focused mainly on vocal performances tonight I have to commend everyone on bringing their A-game and kicking off the 2015 Eisteddfod with a high standard and a positive atmosphere.  Great to see some familiar faces, and a few new faces stirring things up a bit!

Some of the best praise of the evening came in the Voice and Piano Class, where he felt he couldn't split the two participants, so awarded them both a trophy (Two trophies split between four people in the end - which also resulted in a lovely four-way hug!) Some of the key things that Ian mentioned he's looking for in a great performance include "naturally evolving dynmanics", and "making the audience listen by daring to be quiet." - Essentially, engaging with your audience and sucking them into your performance with your expression of the music. I love that phrase, 'dare to be quiet' - as we know, Beau Sejour stage is pretty dry and hard to sing quietly in, but I know what he means. If you sing with enough gumption and feel the music properly, that quietness will carry and you'll connect with your audience.

I have to say the highlight of my evening was seeing Niall McCathie back on stage. I love Niall's voice, and his rendition of 'E'en As a Lovely Flower' by Bridge was just beautiful, it gave me that butterflies feeling; a truly magical moment.
- Remember, you can read all the 1st, 2nd and 3rd results from each class by following the links to the right of the page.

It's been a great start to the Guernsey Eisteddfod 2015, and everyone (audience, performers and adjudicators alike) seem to be settling in and warming up nicely - can't wait to see how it all unfolds over the next 9 days - as was said before, "Live music IS so important" and I feel the best is yet to come.