Young musical talent shines at Matravers competition

MATRAVERS School hosted their popular Young Musician of the Year competition in the school theatre on Thursday 18th October.

The school reports, “The Matravers Young Musician of the Year event is always a highlight in the school’s calendar and this year’s concert was no exception. Sponsored by the Westbury Lions, the event highlights the very best musical talent at the school. This year, the numbers of participants tripled as a large number of ensembles entered the competition, for the first time outnumbering solo performers. 

“Performances ranged from duets to trios to bands to orchestras and choirs and included songs such as “Just the Way You Are”, sung by the Harmonize vocal group, “Use Somebody” performed by the Year 10 band 5G1B, “Hall of Fame” performed by sixth form band 13 and “Broken Strings” sung by Year 7 student Rebekah Slarke, who also accompanied herself on the guitar.

“The three judges this year were Mairwen Guard MBE, a local folk performer and ukulele teacher, Angie Fawcett who was representing the Lions as well as being a musician herself and also ex-Matravers student Wade Merritt, who is now writing songs and regularly performing gigs around west Wiltshire.  The judges gave comments about each of the 13 finalists in the competition before making the difficult decision about who to award prizes to.

“The judges awarded the sixth form band ‘13’ to win first prize, musical theatre trio Bittersweet second prize and solo violinist Sophie Leonard third prize. They also awarded two coveted Leos Endeavour Awards where the winners are seen to have the most potential. This year the winners were KS3 vocal group Harmonize and Year 7 solo performer Rebekah Slarke. The school will receive funding for these two prize winners to give them further lessons/training free of charge.

“This year’s event was hosted by Year 11 students Alice Wain and Owen Smith who did a fantastic job. It was a wonderful evening and we are already looking forward to next year’s concert!”

Picture: Competition finalists.