"I didn't notice the cow until the very end!"

We've reached the half-way point of the festival, perhaps at the peak of intensity - there was so much music making, and almost all from the youth of the island at Tuesday's sessions of the Eisteddfod.

To start off the morning we were treated to one of the most popular classes of the festival, the Unison Singing for Infant School Age. 4 choirs from across the islands schools took part in this class, and the audience were treated to 4 wonderful performances. First up we had Forest School, who delivered their two songs with a clear sound ( and with perhaps one or two rather enthusiastically proud voices in the mix), and a lovely sense of fun - I particularly enjoyed the 'Alien' actions in their second piece, 'Great Green Google-eyed Alien'. Next up were Blanchelande College Infants. I thought that this choir had a lovely unified sound, and I loved the use of sign language in the first piece ('Many Shades of Blue'). Performing third were Melrose Infant Choir, who delivered two contrasting songs, in a ballad ('Today'), complete with beautifully incorporated props, and a humorous and fun piece 'The Cow Appreciation Song' - hats off to the young performer who managed to stay completely hidden in her Cow Onesie until the very end of their performance! I think you managed to take a few people by surprise, including Steven! Finally, we had Acorn House ECJS, with their performances of 'What's Out There in the Snow?', and 'Big Blue Tractor' (complete with, you guessed it, a big blue tractor!). Personally, for me, I did wish that this choir had performed with a live accompanist rather than a backing CD - perhaps it was where I was sat in the audience (which was right at the front), but I thought the backing was far too loud, so I was unable to hear a lot of what the children were singing, even though they were giving it everything - a live accompanist might have just given them a bit more balance in my opinion. Clearly Steven was able to hear everything well from his seat though, as he awarded this spirited performance 1st place in the class, and the trophy with a Highly Commended. Well done to all the choirs and their relative support teams for a truly successful morning of choral singing!

After the madness of the choirs, the morning took a calmer turn, as we had the Viola Under 9. A really nice class here, with 8 budding violists. The viola often gets forgotten about in the string section, next to it's 'more important' sibling the violin, and more boistrous bigger brothers in the cello and double bass, but it is a really beautiful instrument when it is played well. It's great to see that these young violists are getting a good start on their instrument. Some great playing, with the three placed performers, Alfie Cooper, Susie Costley and Lily Hurrell each receiving Highly Commended, and Lily winning the class and the Le Prix D'Alto. Following the violas, a short and very sweet class in the Piano Duet Under 10. Only the one competitor, in the form of young lads 'Sebastien Saad & Sami Benford' playing a delightful little song about fruit ('Mango Walk') - I mean, what's not to like? I thought that these two showed a nice developing sense of teamwork, and their use of a count-in by Sebastien really helped settle them into a fine performance. I did overhear them, before they went on, discussing the dilemma of 'who would take home the trophy should they win' - well thankfully, in a piano duet class, you get one each! Well done boys, a lovely performance!

After the interval, we had the Folk Choirs for Junior School Age, competed for by the Guernsey Music Centre Primary Choir. I was very impressed with this choir's discipline and confidence, and there was a super performance by Joseph Stoller on djembe, which really enhanced their performance and added to the atmosphere of the piece. They also included some lovely subtle swaying in their 2nd piece, which again, was just enough to add atmosphere to the lovely Hungarian folk song. A well deserved Highly Commended for this group. Closing out the morning was the Violin Under 9 - like it's counterpart for the violist, it's great to see such promising starts in all of these young players in their learning of the instrument. 14 performers in this class, and a really close call between all of them as to who would be the winner - so much so, that along with the winner, we had 2 performers in equal 2nd, and another 2 in equal 3rd, and all on a Highly Commended! Steven clearly had a tough time deciding this one, but in the end he decided to award the trophy to Pippa Smith for her confident and stylish performance of 'Patrick's Reel' - well done all!

Starting off the afternoon, we were treated to more fine Viola playing, this time in the Viola Under 14. If you were there in the morning, you will have enjoyed (as I did), seeing just where these players can get to when they spend time practicing and developing their skills. Some wonderful playing here, particularly from George Walker - he is managing to produce some remarkable tonal colours from his instrument, and at such a young age, that really shows a sense of maturity and understanding in his playing. He went on to win the class with a Highly Commended.

Performers from the Under 18 Jazz Class; (L-R) Elliott Hearne,
Rachel Dawson and Emmelie Wright

Next up, a favourite class of mine (unsurprisingly), the Vocal Jazz Under 18. A popular class with the Under 18s crowd, which gives these young singers a chance to explore their voices, I feel. There are so many rules that can be bent and broken in jazz singing, and a vast colour scape of sounds that can be used to create atmosphere and, most importantly, soul. I really enjoy seeing and hearing these young singers exploring, and in some cases, finding their voices. Some stand out moments for me included; Elliott Hearne's sheer confidence and smoothness in his jazzed-up version of 'Joy to the World' (by the rock band Three Dog Night), Reece Kilminster's typically warm crooner vocals in his performance of 'Ain't that a Kick in the Head', and the inclusion of a cornet solo in Emily Andrijasavic's performance of 'Mad About the Boy', played beautifully by Grandpa Dennis Burns. I also thought that Freya Le Noury's voice showed real promise for this particular genre, and I would encourage her to dig a little deeper into the variety of sounds her voice can potentially make, and have fun exploring what she can do, as there's a gorgeous tone developing there. From a personal point of view, I was really proud to see my three students in the class, Emmelie Wright, Elliott Hearne and Rachel Dawson place 3rd, 2nd and 1st respectively. It's always a joy as a teacher when you see your student's hard work pay off, and in particular, I thought Emmelie really did herself proud - The song choice she made was a challenging one for her, and it took until the last practice we had for her to find exactly what she wanted to do with it. But in that persistence, she found the soul and the delivery that made for a really special performance. Well done you three, and everyone else in this class - I just love hearing you all sing jazz!

After the interval, we returned from the Jazz club back to the classical concert hall, as we were delighted by a wonderful xylophone solo from Rahil Anees in the Percussion Solo Under 18. Rahil performed the infamous 'Concertino for Xylophone, 3rd Mvt' by Toshiro Mayuzumi. Not only is this piece notoriously difficult for the soloist, but the accompaniment is not exactly a walk in the park, and I thought Mervyn Grand did a fine job in providing Rahil with solid support from the piano. Some fine tuned percussion skills from Rahil (following on from what he showed us he could do in with the Snare Drum yesterday), and he suitably won the class with a Distinction. After the percussion, we had the Chamber Music Strings for Secondary School Age, featuring the Elizabeth College Senior Quartet performing the classic 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusic' by Mozart, and the Blanchelande College String Quartet performing two pieces; 'Adagio for Strings' by Barber, and a more contemporary choice in 'Paradise' by Chris Martin of Coldplay. The second group did have to wait a little bit before performing, as there was an issue with the stage lights deciding they didn't want to stay on! But that was soon fixed and they were able to play. I did wonder if the weird delay did fluster them a little bit, as they felt somewhat unsettled in their first piece, but were able to deliver a stronger performance in the second. This class was ultimately won by the Elizabeth College Quartet, with a Highly Commended.

Up next we had three instrumental classes, and a further chance to hear the development of the viola, as we heard the Viola Under 16, followed by the Violin Under 18, and finally the Instrumental Jazz Open. In the Viola Under 16, George Walker once again showcased his maturity and stellar ability to perform, as he played 'Praeludium and Allegro' by Fritz Kreisler. Steven said to George, "you'll never be out of work as a violist," and you know, he's not wrong! And certainly, at the level George plays, he would have no trouble getting work as a violist if he decides to go down that route. In the Under 18 Violin, MC Benoist also showcased a depth of maturity and understanding of their chosen instrument, performing the ever popular 'Czardas' by Monti. I thought MC performed with a sense of style, and a really rich tone and vibrato (although perhaps the vibrato could be tamed in places, to help with intonation? Just a thought of mine). Two strong performances here, with each winning their respective classes; MC with Highly Commended, and George with a Distinction. Continuing the instrumental performances, we had the Instrumental Jazz Open, where we heard 'Bass of Operations' performed by Alexandra Dorey on Double Bass, and 'Three Piece Suite for Saxophone; Finale' performed by Cara Fitzpatrick. Two classic Jazz instruments here, and a fine understanding for the genre being presented by both musicians. I thought Cara showed off the amazing variety of sounds the saxophone can deliver beautifully, and really brought the instrument to life in my opinion. A tough one to call, but on this occasion Alexandra Dorey won the class with a Highly Commended. Rounding off the afternoon, a final choir class of the day, the Choirs Secondary Age, fielded a single competitor, the Ladies College Junior Choir. The choir performed two pieces, 'There's Me', and 'Chariot's Coming', winning the trophy with a Highly Commended - well done ladies!

The Tuesday evening, always a huge venture, saw all (or at least it feels like all!) the islands large scale ensemble's descend onto Beau Sejour to compete at the Eisteddfod. First up we had the Making Music Secondary School Age class, were we saw 4 groups perform; Guernsey Grammar School & Sixth Form Training Orchestra, Elizabeth College Junior Strings & Wednesday Band, The Ladies College L5 GCSE Group, and St Sampson's High School Stage Sound. The music making class usually shows players who are still developing their skills (for example, 'training' groups). Often with training groups of this nature, it is confidence which makes the difference - for example, overall the percussion could have been louder, or at least more assertive. As a percussionist myself, I remember when my tutor always used to say, "whatever the dynamic marking is, play it at least 2 markings louder!" - there are reasons for this; 1) percussion are always at the back, so you have to carry over the rest of the ensemble, and 2) either play it wrong and proudly or don't play it! A mistake that is done with conviction is always better than a half-hearted attempt that is correct. That said: some great playing coming from this class, with the St Sampson's High School Stage Sound performing with definite confidence and conviction, winning them the class with a Distinction. Next up, the Orchestral Band/Ensemble Open - only one competitor this time, the Guernsey Grammar School Orchestra, lead by both Deborah Bideau and Janine Mallett. A really great programme of varied music I thought from this group, with everything from Dvorak's 'Slavonic Dance No. 8', to Santana's 'Smooth', and they earned themselves a Distinction Mark of 87.

The final and largest class of the evening, the Orchestral Band/Ensemble Secondary Age, contested by an impressive 7 groups! We had the Ladies College Senior Strings, two groups from the Grammar School in their Wind Band and Swing Band, three groups from Guernsey Music Centre in the Chamber Orchestra, Brass Band and Flute choir, and finally (with what wins 'best band name' in my opinion), the Elizabeth College Snorkel Band, although disappointingly, no snorkels! (I'm guessing it's a bit of a play on the fact that they're a windband). Hilariously, between each group, we got to experience an experimental percussion group, the 'Elephants behind the Curtain'. Amazingly, every time they finished playing, we never saw them and a different group was ready to perform! A hugely impressive class with a vast variety of music on display. A particular highlight was the fine trombone playing from the lad who seemed to be in every group! The Guernsey Chamber Orchestra were also amazing with their pieces 'Chacony in G Minor' and 'Amadeus from Symphony No. 25'. Steven said of them that they were "quite possibly the best I've ever heard", which is a fine testament to the students, and their teachers. A super high standard of class for this one, with the Grammar School Wind Band coming in 3rd with Highly Commended, the Grammar School Swing Band coming in 2nd with a Distinction, and for a truly exceptional performance, the Guernsey Music Centre Chamber Ensemble receive an Outstanding and the trophy.

One of the more jam-packed days of the festival; a real zoo of amazing music amongst the hidden cows and the secret elephants. All jokes aside though, I think this day highlights something particularly special. The teaching of music in this island, in both the schools and private endeavours is of a very high standard, providing young performers with, not only an amazing understanding of music, but with a chance to explore vital life skills and work together with other musicians in various forms. The power and importance of music is something that, sadly, we still need to fight for a little, and I hope those of you out there reading this agree with me; we have something truly special here on Guernsey when it comes to music, and we need to keep supporting it with every ounce of strength we have.