School music accolade up for grabs

The finalists of a major school music competition have been announced and are now to battle it out in a final concert.      

The competition, which is being run between Cheshire East Council’s Cheshire East Music Service and renowned brass ensemble, Foden’s Brass Band, held a hotly contested qualifying round recently. More than 300 students from nine schools competed with short music performances.    

The schools that made it through to the final are Bollinbrook CE Primary School, in Macclesfield, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, in Crewe, Congleton High School, in Congleton and Sandbach School, in Sandbach.  

The finalists will compete at a special concert at Tenants’ Hall at Tatton Park, in Knutsford, Cheshire, on Friday, April 8, at 7pm. In groups of at least 10 students, each school will perform pieces in various arrangements, such as orchestral, big band and guitar.       

There will be two categories of awards – one for primary schools and one for secondary schools.

Portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, Councillor Andrew Knowles, head of Cheshire East Music Service, Rob Nash and composer in residence for Foden’s Brass Band, Andy Scott, will adjudicate the contest.

The contest will be followed by a performance by Foden’s Brass Band. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the winning school.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “This contest is a superb way for the children of Cheshire East to showcase their musical talents in front of friends and family.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this competition, not least from the participating children and their teachers.

“I must say a special thank you to Councillor Andrew Knowles and Councillor Barry Moran of Cheshire East Council, who have both been the driving force behind this project.

“I wish all the participating children the best of luck.”    

The concert is open to the public. Tickets cost £10 and £7 for concessions, and will be available from February 21. Contact Charlotte Skelton at the Cheshire East Music Service on 01270 685963 for more information.