Round of applause please for this year’s phenomenal candidates for our annual Young Musician competition!  

Record breaking numbers are unfortunately forcing the music teachers to split juniors from seniors, so juniors, I’m sorry to say this, but you’ll have to wait some time for your chance to shine! I guess it’s more time to perfect your pieces! 

However, I am delighted to see so many people signing up to showcase the wide range of musical talents in our school. 

Now, onto how it went. I have no words. It was remarkable. There was a massive range of songs – from gentle, heart-touching songs from tv shows played by Aiden, to dramatic, arpeggio-filled Chopin – I’m sure choosing a winner must have been impossible. But in the end, like Thea sang, the winner takes it all! So, there had to be a winner chosen. 

I have to say, the standards of performances rose higher than the empire state building after hearing Ruaridh play on a SELF-MADE guitar, Sadie bringing me to tears with her singing a song from Next to normal, Scarlett’s expressive singing and alto notes, and Elsa professionally masking her relief at playing her exam piece for the last time, beautifully, of course. Next year’s candidates have quite big shoes to fill in! 

Now, onto the winners.  

Drum roll... 

The winner of this year’s St Kent’s Young Musician competition is... Jude Mowbray! 

With his confident stance, and beautiful phrasing – Like Miss Donaldson said – He made a great impression. What was even more impressive, was that Jude memorised lyrics in a different language. I’m sure that was a struggle. But then again, is there anything Jude can't do? 

Let’s have another drum roll for our runner up.... 

Congratulations to Julia Bojczuk!  

Julia began with a humorous start, introducing the piece she was going to play on the piano, and left us all with our jaws dropped at the incredibly complicated and emotional story of the piece. Julia continues to surprise us with her capabilities. Well, done! 

Let’s hold our thumbs, like the Polish say, for Jude who will be representing our school at the regional final. Good luck!