Young brass players and percussionists shine at solo competition
Guildhall Young Artists host National Brass and Percussion Solo Competition and Workshops for the first time
On Sunday 6 April, Guildhall School exploded with sound as young brass players and percussionists aged 9 to 18 came together to take part in the first ever National Brass and Percussion Solo Competition and Workshops.
The event was hosted by Guildhall Young Artists (GYA), Guildhall School's network of centres providing inspiring performing and production arts training for children and young people aged 4– 18.
More than 60 young people took part in this special day, including a mixture of current GYA members and others. Each young musician gave a solo performance of a piece of their choice.
Participants received individual feedback from a distinguished panel of adjudicators, including Philip Cobb (trumpet), Alex Duggan (percussionist), Peter Moore (trombone) and Julian Warburton (percussion). The adjudicators each treated the audience to solo performances.
To round off this celebration of brass and percussion we were joined by She's Got Brass, 'London's premier 10-piece, all-girl brass extravaganza', who led an inspiring workshop for students.
In the workshop, they developed an arrangement that was then performed by students, adjudicators and She's Got Brass together in a special performance to friends and family on Milton Court Concert Hall stage.
Solo performances are a fantastic way for students to grow both musically and personally. We learn so much each time we perform, and this event was a wonderful opportunity for students to perform in a supportive environment and gain feedback from industry-leading professionals.
Spencer Down, Creative Director of Guildhall Young Artists
[My child] was inspired by hearing the other students and the adjudicators play. He also enjoyed the chance to mix with other brass and percussion players and meet old and new friends.
Parent testimonial
[My child] is so grateful for the chance to learn and practice with amazing tutors in such a wonderful environment, alongside friends her age. This unexpected award has truly encouraged her to keep pursuing and enjoying music, especially percussion, with even more passion.
Parent testimonial
Awards and winners
Lower Brass, adjudicated by Peter Moore
Lower Brass 1 – year 7 and under, sponsored by Warwick Music Ltd.
First Place: Vedant Kailaje
Highly Commended: Solon Supple and Danyal Akbari
Lower Brass 2 – years 8–10
First Place: Nicky Palic
Highly Commended: Elsa Stibbe and Maya Gahotra
Lower Brass 3 – years 10–14 (incl. gap year students), sponsored by Phil Parker Ltd.
First Place: William Evans
Highly Commended: Ruby Terry and Rosa Shepherd
Upper Brass, adjudicated by Phil Cobb, artist sponsored by Buffet Crampon
Upper Brass 1 – years 7 and under, sponsored by Warwick Music Limited.
First Place: Lucas Rebel
Highly Commended: Gloria Aronova and Scarlett Young
Upper Brass 2 – years 8–10
First Place: Oliver Benjie Pitts
Highly Commended: Ralf Sauer and Lucie Hall
Upper Brass 3 – years 10–14 (incl. gap year students) sponsored by Phil Parker Ltd.
First Place: Anakin Ho Fai Tang
Highly Commended: Isabel Deans and Alexander Rebel
Percussion
Percussion 1 – years 9 and under, adjudicated by Alex Duggan, sponsored by Southern Percussion
First Place: Ivan Varga
Highly Commended: Isabella Cheng and Finlo Horgan
Percussion 2 – years 10–14 (incl. gap year students), adjudicated by Julian Warburton, sponsored by Southern Percussion.
First Place: Sam Goldman
Highly Commended: Yuma Angius-Thomas and Dominic Kamel
Learn more about Guildhall Young Artists
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