Gateways School in Harewood recently held an Individual Music Competition which comprised two days of musical activities – one day for voice and one for instruments – involving students from Year 3 upwards. There were ten categories, of all grades and abilities in the vocal competition and covered a variety of styles including classical pieces, traditional folk songs and songs from musicals or shows. All students were encouraged to take part, including those who do not have music lessons.
The adjudicator for the vocal competition was Dr Andrew Padmore conductor of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and Harrogate Choral Society. He has adjudicated at many festivals throughout the UK and Eire. The overall winner of the competition was Year 8 student Lily McNeill. She received a commemorative plate engraved with her name which she can keep for a year.
The instrumental music competition had eleven categories again with a range of different musical styles played on a variety of instruments including piano, violin, clarinet, flute and guitar. The winner of this was Year 9 student Hannah Matharoo who played the piano. The instrumental music competition was judged by external adjudicator Ben Tierney, a retired music teacher who has conducted and played in several bands in the Yorkshire area. He currently conducts the White Rose Concert band and has had many festival successes over the years, playing at the Albert Hall and Festival Hall in London.
Dr Tracy Johnson, Gateways School headmistress, said: We had two excellent days of music involving the whole school and it was lovely to see the way in which all the pupils appreciated the efforts of others. Our congratulations go to Lily, the overall winner, and Hannah for her success in the instrumental competition but we are all very proud of the achievements of everyone involved.
Main photograph: year 8 student Lily McNeill, overall winner of the voice section of the competition
