With a record breaking 20 trophies, 27 placings and three pupils performing in the Finals Concert on Sunday. 2023 was without doubt, Oswestry School’s year at the Oswestry Youth Music Festival.
With seven trophies in the Ensemble classes, it is clear that Oswestry School’s Music Department is flourishing under Director of Music, Aled Phillips’ expert guidance. The school’s choirs dominated the choral section with Bellan House and Senior School choirs each winning their two classes – Musical Theatre Ensemble and Youth Choir. Their performances showcased their strong choral skills with beautiful harmonies and part-singing, with the Musical Theatre classes complemented by slick choreography courtesy of Claire Thompson, Head of Performing Arts. The Instrumental Ensembles won all three classes, in age categories 12, 15 and 18 and under, with the Chamber Ensembles each taking second place.
Oswestry School pupils shone in the solo and duet classes, taking a total of 13 trophies. In the Finals Concert, Oswestry School was represented by Darcey Lowe (Flute) in the 12 & Under section and Nia Lincoln (Violin) and Daniel Grove (Voice) in the 15 & Under section. The 21 & Under Final was won by Old Oswestrian Kizzy Lumley-Edwards with an outstanding vocal performance.
The school was represented in every music category with almost 100 entries across piano, strings, woodwind, brass, percussion and voice classes. As well as the many individual entries, 88 pupils from Bellan House and Senior School performed in one or more ensembles: instrumental, choral, musical theatre and two rock bands!
Miss Thompson said, “We are incredibly proud of all our pupils who took part in the festival. It takes great courage to step out and perform in front of an audience and our pupils were not only brave but also extremely positive in their approach to the competition. They were impeccably behaved, polite, enthusiastic and absolutely supportive of one another, showing grace whatever the outcome. It reminded me why people choose to send their children to Oswestry School!”
“We are most fortunate to have this wonderful festival right here on our doorstep and thanks must go to Oswestry Town Council for continuing to support the festival when so many are cutting funding for the Arts. Particular thanks must go to Mrs Sue Turner who runs the event so efficiently each year” said Miss Thompson.
