"If you want to see Music in Education working... go to Guernsey"

On the final day of the Eisteddfod, one would think it would feel like everything was winding down. But no - we like to jam-in as much entertainment as humanly possible, right until the very last class!

The morning session started with two Viola classes, U9 and U11. The evidence of great teaching was very apparent in this class, with the winners of both classes (George Walker and Lucy Hockey respectively) receiving distinction marks for their performances. What was a shame was that there was no trophy for either of these classes. Although winning isn't the reason to enter the Eisteddfod, it is nice for the winner to be able to take something home, so I'm making a final plea that, if you really want to support the Eisteddfod, please donate a trophy to a class that doesn't have one! Thankfully, the U12 Double Bass class does have a trophy, and it was great to see highly commendeds for all three competitors. The morning continued with the U10 Piano Solos, U10 Piano Duets and later, the U12 Jazz Piano Solos. Again, the great tuition is showing itself, as Benjamin Fletcher and Maisie Belford received a distinction for their duet. Throughout the week Ian Hytch has talked about the importance of young people playing together, and (as he would repeat later for the U18's and adults) the importance of solo pianists playing duets. He stated that every soloist should have to learn to play duets in order to increase their musicality and ability to work with other musicians. And, apart from that, it's really fun!
- The rest of the morning session was taken up with super singing in the U12 Folk Song and U10 Vocal Girls Solo classes. Some superb voices coming through in this age bracket, that's for sure. The folk song class is, as Ian put it, 'deceptively simple'. The tunes sound effortless, but they really aren't, and it takes a lot of skill to put across a folk song with the right amount of feeling, story-telling and good vocal technique. What is great as that the 3 competitors in this class are doing a great job starting out in this genre, with the class winner Isabelle Lees really exhibiting the light-hearted, story-telling vibe of folk with a bouncy song 'Oats and Peas and Barely Grow'. The vocal girls U10 all performed really well, and it's great to see children in this young truly invest in the songs they are singing. Summer Domaille won the class with a great, characterful song 'The Frog' - I really liked the way she invested in the imagery of the words. I also want to mention Clemmie Reid who sang beautifully with her lilting song 'Good Morrow to you, Springtime', which left the audience with a positive and sunny atmosphere.

The afternoon session set off with the Piano U16. Some great playing here, as evident by class winner Charlie Brewin, performing Debussy's infamous 'Clare de Lune'. I think Charlie really has the sensitive touch for this type of music, and it's clear he understands it well (performing it all from memory I might add). This piece is one of my all-time favourite pieces of music, and I like where Charlie is going with this, although I do think that he needs to 'breathe' more, and allow the harmony to speak for itself at times, and he'll be well on the way to an outstanding performance. Moving on to the Versatility Class, the audience were treated to a fantastic variety of, not only music, but instrumentation. What was great about the two competitors is that they each performed on one 'typical' instrument, and one more 'unusual' - For Elizabeth Beacom it was voice and snare drum, and for Marie-Claire Benoist it was piano and harp. I would like to see this class with more competitors (same goes for the O18), because I know there are many musicians out there who play more than one instrument. It's definitely a challenge, but one many of you are certainly capable of. Go on... you know you want to....

After the U15 Vocal Duet class and another excellent Piano Duet class we were back into the realms of 'light-entertainment'. The U18 Pop song class, although not as well represented as the U15 class, still featured some fine singing. Class winner Harry Guibileo (shown left) showcased his softer side after winning the U18 Songs from the Shows with a comical song the night before, and created an emotional and magical atmosphere. Such a shame then that someone felt it necessary to ruin his (and a few other performers in the class) hard work with unnecessary sweet rustling. It seems to escape people that the performers at the Eisteddfod often spend months working on something that will be over in 3-4minutes. If you can't go without a sweet for 3-4minutes, then please, don't bother turning up. You're there as an audience member to offer support and appreciate what every performer has to offer, so the least you can give is silence while they perform. It was great to hear these people get a telling off from the Queen herself (AKA, Barbara Minta MBE), which lead to spontaneous applause supporting her.

Moving on to the Musical Scenes U12 (which was moved from Friday Afternoon), it's clear to see that the kids have such a passion for this genre. I particularly want to praise Maisie Webster for her brilliant portrayal as the Grinch (and emulating Jim Carrey very well), and the choreography of the scene was also of a very high standard. When it came to the U18 Musical scene, I hate to say it, but the issue of 'appropriateness' reared it's ugly head again. I've no qualms about the abilities and dedication of the performers - there were some great moments, like the tap-routine being the gunfire in 'Bonnie & Clyde', or Toby Giles' professionalism at not panicking when the backing-track failed (another bug-bear, but we won't go there today) - all great things, and there are some extremely talented performers in this age bracket. My issue is two-fold: 1) Subject matter - this isn't just an U18 class, it's a 12 & U18 class, which means any performer in the class could be nearer the primary school age than sixth-form, and 2) Language - the use of swear words and innuendo is definitely something that needs to be addressed. Some may argue that say, a 15 film would have bad language in it, but I make the point at the time of day this class is, and the fact that it is a 12 & U1 class. I think the whole concept of the 'watershed' needs to be considered here. By all means, students should be performing works they really enjoy and are passionate about, but some serious consideration needs to be done when writing the script and choosing the songs in order to fit the age category.

The evening session set off with a toe-tapping start from the Grammar School Swing Band, performing two jazz classics that had everyone in the right mood for the rest of the nights entertainment. After some more traditional piano duets (a class that my mother and I were lucky to win this year) the audience was treated to the wonderful world that is female-barbershop. It was a shame that this class only featured one competitor, as barbershop is an incredible art-form which requires beautiful 4-part a cappella singing, and a comical song.... that is still sung with beautiful 4-part a cappella singing. It requires immense skill, which was expertly showcased by Chord Blimey, receiving a well deserved 89 marks.
- Before the Special Awards, Bob Thompson (a vice-president of the Eisteddfod Society) gave a small speech to thank the various people who have helped make this festival as good as it is, such as the media, sponsors and all the volunteers who help organise the festival. Ian Hytch also praised the festival for it's organisation, and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere we create. Ian went on to congratulate the music teachers of the island, and talk about the importance of music in education, and how it's something we've got right, stating, "If you want to see music in education working.... go to Guernsey." - We've done ourselves proud there donkeys, let's keep up the good work and keep setting the very best example.

 The Special Awards mark some truly great achievements of some of the participants of the Eisteddfod, and in the case of the Juniors, those that have marked themselves as having a lot of promise for great things in the future. One thing that I loved was, this year, Ian Hytch decided to mention several people whom he felt were worthy of winning an award, but on this occasion were just pipped to the post. One such example was Juanita Byrne, the director of Le Rondin School Choir who received a special mention for the Longmire Baton, which I was immensely delighted with. Ian also went on to make his own 'special mention' for competitors of a brand new class, the 'EBC' class, which is short for 'Entertainment Between Classes' class. He went on to present the volunteers Elaine Chapman, Anne Higgins, Julie Tostevin, Trish Grover and Stella (pictured right with adjudicator Ian Hytch) for their hilarious, but also vital antics in moving the piano, setting the stage, making announcements, and (in one case) breaking the furniture! Of course, they all received an Outstanding mark! (You can see the list of Special Award Winners and a picture by following the link to the right of the page)

Rounding off the evening was the Corporate Class - new the Eisteddfod last year, this class has really captured the Guernsey public, and even though there were a few deletions, it still featured 5 great performances, including a small rivalry between the Fire Department and the Police. I myself was playing piano for the Police, so I know how hard they worked and how much fun they have had working towards their performance, and I'm sure every other competitor feels the same. It was a great array of entertainment, featuring a comedic musical-routine, a musical scene, and three choirs. The Credit Suisse Choir won the class with there musically well-performed choral pieces (in 4-part harmony I might add), but I think the highlight for me (and a lot of others) was the Fire Department's hilarious music number that gave us a number song (of which I still remember the number), a good amount of fun-poking at themselves, and the use of a fair few props that I won't be forgetting anytime soon! Of course, the best thing about this class, it that it really showcases what the Guernsey Eisteddfod is all about: Everyone getting together to create music, getting up on stage and having a damn good go!

('May the Force be With You' - myself with the Police force after performing their musical number, 'Northside Story')