Slightly out of order, I'm going talk about two classes similar in nature that took place on this morning; the Choirs Unison Singing Infant School Age, and later the Choirs Unison Singing Junior School Age - what a fabulous display of choral singing at such young ages! There were some really great moments in both of these classes. In the infant class, there was a lovely solo from one of the Forest School singers, and some beautifully timed percussion in their 2nd piece, a really funny song 'The Bean Harvest' delivered by Blanchelande Infant Choir, great story telling from Melrose Infant Choir for their piece 'Bringing home my Baby Bumblebee', and lots and lots of potatoes from Acorn House! Elizabeth talked about the hard work and commitment that shone through in all of these groups, and how well prepared they all were. In the Junior School class, again we had such a wonderful display of teamwork and unified singing. Amherst Primary School Choir made a really warm and well rounded sound for such a small group, ECJS Choir showcased some different and more contemporary repertoire which they delivered with lots of gusto, Blanchelande Junior Choir used really clever gestures to reflect the comedy of their piece 'Just like a Roman', and Melrose Junior Choir showed great understanding and feeling in their lovely rendition of 'God Help the Outcasts' - I also loved their clever use of limited dancing in 'The Jones Boys' before they all joined in! Elizabeth said she was looking for good sense of pitch, clear words, and an excellent delivery of the story whilst all still working as a team. Being in a choir develops all of this, especially at these young ages, you start to develop a sense of responsibility within a group you participate in. She also talked about how important pitching in melodic lines is. In a solo you can get away with missing pitches in an artistic capacity, but in a choral setting you need to make sure you're all the same. A tough choice to make in both of these classes, but in the end Forest School Infant Choir one the Infant Class with a Distinction, and Melrose Junior Choir won the Juniors class with a well deserved Outstanding.
- I'd also like to mention the amazing organisational skills from Trish Grover and all the backstage/front of house team for playing the annual game of 'choral tetris', making sure each group get a chance to sit in the auditorium and hear at least one other choir (hopefully) two. It is so important for children in particular to hear other performers, as there is such to learn just from listening as well as performing. Well done to all involved!
For the rest of the morning we had three instrumental classes for young performers - the Piano Under 8, Piano Under 9, and the final class of the morning the Viola Under 11. Some lovely playing in these classes of young performers, and great to see them getting up and having a go at such a young age. In the Under 8 piano, there was some wonderfully secure playing from class winner Molly Cook, and I really enjoyed Ilori Akanaku's performance of 'When the Saints Go Marching In' which was very clean, precise and well presented. In the Under 9's Lily-Ella O'Brien's performance of 'Sprinkling Stardust' was so expressive for such a young musician. Elizabeth said that her performance was so well interpreted that she would have got the title of the piece without reading it, which is real talent in itself. Understanding the title of the piece is something we often forget about a little bit, especially as we get older, as sometimes the titles don't really mean anything to us (Prelude, or Nocturne - they can be a bit vague!). Taking the time to think about what the title means and interpreting it can really help to develop your musical skills just that little bit further. In the Under 11 Viola class, another display of great developing young musicians, it was Olivia Atkinson who took home the trophy for her piece 'Wild West'.
We started the afternoon with two Violin classes, the Violin Under 16 followed by the Violin Open. It's a shame these classes were so small in size, as there's so much good playing from violinists in this island - perhaps it's one of those years where there are just quite a few who still fall into the lower age bracket and will move up next year. Some great playing here, especially from Charlie Brewin in the Open class - I love the warm tone that Charlie is developing in his playing, and he has a great sense of poise and command developing as well. Highly Commended's all around with these classes, with Jacob Wright and Charlie Brewin winning their classes respectively. Next we moved to the Piano Duet Open followed by the ever amusing Piano; 6 Hands or More Open. As pianists we can get very used to having the piano to ourselves, so when you suddenly have to share the piano with someone else, or even two or THREE more people, it can get a bit crowded on the keyboard! Learning to play on the same instrument with someone else who has a mind of their own is an incredible skill, and I urge all people who play a bit of piano to have a go at a duet or 6-hands, as it will not only teach you great things, it'll be hilariously fun at the same time! Two lovely classes here, which because they are 'Open' classes, means we have the added bonus of seeing younger students able to perform with their teacher or parent. A Highly Commended mark of 85 for Hannah Bourgaize and Martin Hassall in the Duet class, and a Distinction 87 for Cara Fitzpatrick, Hannah Bourgaize and Martin Hassall in the 6-hands or more class. Well done all!
After a short and sweet vocal class, Folk Solo 15 & Under 18, which Luella Taylor one with another Outstanding mark for her (well done!) we followed with another great vocal class, the Vocal Jazz, Blues, Swing Under 18. This class showcased an amazingly high standard of singing. Elizabeth said of this class, "I don't know how you keep turning this all about Guernsey, it's incredible!" - and she's right, it is incredible - but I know how we keep turning it out! We've created this amazing hub of performing arts; music, drama and dance education, where talent is not expected to be 'found', it is nurtured, and grown, and allowed to thrive. It's something we do really well, and MUST continue to support with all our might! A thoroughly enjoyable class full of fabulous music from across the genre - some personal favourites of mine included Reece Kilminster's rendition of 'Mack the Knife', Drew Robilliard's 'Straighten Up and Fly Right', Rachel Dawson's 'Cry me a River' and Elliot Hearne's delightfully soulful 'Moonlight Serenade' - for me, these four just found the true jazz stylisms that are so right for the genre. I encourage all the fabulous singers in the class to listen to more jazz, especially if the number you want to sing has originated from a Musical - there is a HUGE different between delivering a musical theatre performance and a jazz performance - I mean, just listen to the difference between the original 'Summertime' from Porgy and Bess, and Ella Fitzgerald's version! I also encourage you all to listen to more than one recording (as in, more than one singer), ideally, at least FIVE! What this does is allow you to really hear how different each song can be, and decide what you like, and what you don't, and develop your own personality through the song. Everyone in the class was awarded a Distinction mark, except the class winner, Rachel Dawson who was awarded the trophy with an Outstanding. A truly engaging and mature performance from someone so young, well done Rachel!
- Finishing off the afternoon we have a final choral class, the Choirs; Unison & Part Years 7-11. Yet again, a really high standard of choral singing, with both groups showing a great sense of unity and a developing strength in part singing as well. I particularly enjoyed Guernsey Grammar School's song 'I Remember', which I thought was really moving, and St Sampson's High School Chamber Choir's aptly named 'Let your Voice be Heard'. Great singing from all involved, with St Sampson's taking the trophy with another Outstanding.
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| The cast of 'Phantom of the Opera' (GADOC) who won the Musical Scene Over 18's with a Distinction |
Next had two very short classes, the Country & Western Over 18, and the rescheduled Novelty Song Under 18. Jodie Hicks won herself a trophy and a mark of 88 for her performance of 'Mama's Song' in the Country & Western Class. I think this is a genre that actually really suits Jodie's voice, and I encourage her to explore more of the repertoire within it. Sometimes it just takes trying something for the first time to find something you didn't know you were good at! Well done Jodie. Rescheduled from last Friday, we moved on to the Novelty Class U18, featuring the only performer in this class, Toby Giles. I must say, it does surprise me that Toby seems to have been the only person to venture into this class, especially when I’ve seen the excellent comedic performances from the youngsters in the Songs from the Shows classes for example - perhaps a few others might tackle this one next year? Remember, anything goes in this class! That said, Toby really has established himself as a master comedian, and this was quite possibly one of the funniest things to ever grace the Eisteddfod stage! He has a natural sense of timing and charisma, which you really need to sell comedy. Elizabeth couldn't stop giggling during the adjudication, which is always a good sign for a comedian! Unsurprisingly, he was awarded an Outstanding for his efforts. Bravo sir!
Elizabeth rounded off the evening by reiterating just how amazing the young people of Guernsey are at expressing themselves through music, and especially through song. Music has such immense power; the ability to teach, the ability to connect, and in some cases, the ability to heal. As Elizabeth said, "Music will get your through everything in life" - Amen to that!
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