March saw great success for several students performing in instrumental music competitions at regional and national level.

In the District Final of the Rotary Young Musician Competition, Year 11 student Tim performed incredibly well as a solo pianist, He was awarded second prize and has gained the opportunity to work with the eminent British concert pianist Peter Donohoe in a masterclass in April. Tim continued his success with superb performances at the Bristol Festival of Music and Drama where he won the Forsyth Brothers Trophy, being placed 1st in the ’17 years and under’ recital category, and he placed 2nd in another two competitions.

Year 11 Freya performed exceptionally well on piano at the Bristol Festival, too. All her solo performances were played from memory and she received high praise from internationally acclaimed concert pianist Vitaly Pisarenko. Freya was placed 2nd in two solo competitions and 3rd in a further category. Together, Tim and Freya won the Piano Duet ’17 years and under’ competition, for which they were awarded the Jonathan Pryce Trophy. In the Piano Ensemble Competition, Freya was joined by Year 11 student Maddie on Clarinet and Year 12 Saba on French Horn, with the trio coming in 2nd place.

Prize-winning performances were given by the Taunton Senior School students who took part in the senior section of the Taunton Young Musician Competition. Matilda won 2nd prize for her performance on violin, and Freya was awarded 3rd prize for her piano performance. Congratulations to both!

In the Pro Corda National Chamber Music Festival for Schools a Year 13 trio of Oscar (Clarinet), Dan (French Horn) and Ed (piano), gave fabulous performances at each stage of the competition. They progressed through the qualifying and semi-final rounds in the South West to reach the national finals. Well done Oscar, Dan and Ed!