A Crescendo of Talent: Highlights from Our Annual Music Competition

Written by Lola / Photography by Lola and Liam

Y10 work experience week

On the second of July, after the success of previous music competitions, The Inspiration Trust held the 4th Annual Inspiration Trust Music Competition; where students from all ages in all trust schools are invited to come together and showcase their musical talents.

In total there were more than 80 participants in The Walter Roy Theatre at The Hewett Academy, unlike previous years where the participants sent in videos from school. Like The Battle of The Bands and Piano Competition earlier this year, the students were given a chance to compete with others and perform to an audience on a stage. 

The competition was thoroughly enjoyable with the large variety of instruments and genres. From singing to saxophone, classical to rock, there was something there for everyone. It was split into different categories, solos, duets, and ensembles which were then split into primary, secondary, and sixth form. There was a winner from each one and three silver trophies awarded to the primary school, secondary school, and sixth form with the most points. 

The winners were decided by two adjudicators: John Stephens, the Director of Music for the Inspiration Trust, and guest adjudicator Alison Brain, the Head of Norwich Music Hub. The adjudicators not only selected winners, but also gave individual compliments and constructive feedback to each performer so they know what to work on ready for next year. 

Adjudicator Alison Brain, Head of the Norfolk Music Hub said

“I’ve been completely blown away by the range of instrumentation that’s on offer and the different types of genres - the standard has been absolutely amazing! Everybody has been really supportive of each other and wanting other schools and other people to do well. It was really difficult to decide, to be honest! Everybody today has done an incredible job.” 

Many thanks again to all that entered the competition, we are all looking forward to seeing your future performances. 

We are delighted to announce the winning entries for our Annual Music Competition: 

Solos:

Primary Solo – Isabella T-T (Stradbroke Primary Academy) 

Secondary Solo – James F (King Edward VII Academy) 

Sixth Form Solo – Alex B (Jane Austen College Sixth Form) 

Duet:

Secondary Duet – Meg P & Rosie P (East Point Academy) 

Ensembles:

Secondary Ensemble - The Thetford Academy Wind Band (Thetford Academy) 

Sixth Form Ensemble – 6th Form Band (Jane Austen College) 

Overall Cups:

Primary Music Cup: Stradbroke Primary Academy 

Secondary Music Cup: Hethersett Academy 

Sixth Form Music Cup: Jane Austen College 

John Stephens, Director of Music at Inspiration Trust said: 

“I would like to say a huge well done to all the pupils and staff who participated in the competition this year. The quality of entries was impressive, and all performances showed wonderful skill and development. I was seriously impressed by the levels of musical improvement in trust schools which were displayed in such engaging performances. Thank you for sharing your music with us, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings!”