Many congratulations to every child who entered the music competition this term. We had 200 entries in our solo, ensembles and open classes, 81 children were chosen as heats finalists and battled it out in front of our adjudicator, Malcolm Gunningham, Head of Music Technology and Jazz at Downe House School. Malcolm chose the 17 heats winners and they then went through to perform in the Grand Final on 11th March, along with superb performances by Brass Group, Junior Choir, Orchestra and Cantoris.

Jonathan Kingston, Director of Music at Bromsgrove School had the dubious task of choosing our overall Music Competition Winner for 2010, but in the end, he made the decision to award it to Serena Holbech for both her singing and clarinet. This is definitely a first and Serena should be rightly proud of her incredible achievement – her performances were extremely moving and we know that she has a bright future ahead as a musician. In total, the children achieved 537 house points for their overall entries, which is an amazing feat! Well done and many thanks once again to everyone for their support.

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to Mr Rhys Owens, who has covered the brass teaching whilst Mr Duck has been away. He settled in straight away and has made a real impression with the children and we wish him well for the future.