The key to success: practice makes perfect in inspiring Piano Competition

Today, after the success of last year, Inspiration Trust held a whole-trust Piano Competition, bringing together pupils from primaries, secondaries and sixth forms across Norfolk and north Suffolk. Nearly 50 pupils took to the Walter Roy stage at Hewett Academy in the competition’s second year running. Similar to the Battle of the Bands competition earlier this year, the Piano Competition was an opportunity for avid players to take part in something that was catered to their music specialism and gain more experience performing in front of an audience.  

All performances were thoroughly enjoyable, with pupils at a variety of different grades competing at their appropriate levels throughout the day. Pupils also had the opportunity to play on a Steinway Model D concert grand piano, enhancing the pupils' experience and giving them a taste of what it is like to play on one of the best pianos available. As one of the most popular instruments to learn in our schools, there was an excellent range of pieces and techniques. Pupil performances were split into those currently working on their graded exams (Graded Exam Repertoire), and an Open Classes category, for those pupils who wished to gain more experience in a competitive environment. 

Winning entries were decided by a panel of music professionals, consisting of our very own Director of Music, John Stephens, and Jen Flatman, Business Development Manager, from Trinity College London.  A full list of winners and comments from our adjudicators are below.

Winners

Graded Exam Repertoire: 

Initial: Joanne W (Cromer Academy) 

Grade 1 - Grade 2: Ivy A (Hethersett Academy) 

Grade 3 - Grade 4: William W (Hethersett Academy) 

Grade 5 - Grade 6: Amelia N (King Edward VII Academy) 

Grade 7 - Grade 8: Shindy Huang (Cromer Academy) 

Diplomas: Alex B (Jane Austen College) 

Open Classes: 

Pre-Initial: Harvey S (Great Yarmouth Charter Academy) 

Initial: Jacob F (Hethersett Academy) 

Elementary: Peter M (East Point Academy) 

Intermediate: Jacey C (Wayland Academy) 

Advanced: Kyan B (Jane Austen College)  

Original: Harry F (Jane Austen College) 

Duet: Jack S & Richard O (Thetford Academy)  

John Stephens, Director of Music, said: 

“The piano competition was another great success this year, and I was very proud to offer the opportunity to our pupils to play on a Steinway Model D piano. What an experience for them all. Huge congratulations to all the participants and their teachers. The standard of playing continues to rise, and is a real testament to the amount of work going on behind the scenes both in lessons and in private practice between those lessons. I can’t wait to see what the entries are like next year!” 

Jen Flatman added:

"It was a pleasure to be invited to adjudicate for the 2nd Inspiration Trust Piano Competition. I particularly enjoyed the variety within the performances. It was wonderful to see some performers returning from the previous year and improving on their skills and musicianship within that space of time. The standard was high across the whole morning, and it was a joy to hear such great teaching across all of the classes. Well done to all of the performers!"