Musicians of note (From Swindon Advertiser)

The Swindon Music Festival gets underway

9:50am Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

TALENTED musicians have been hitting all the right notes during the first few days of the Swindon Music Festival.

Dozens of people have already taken part in the 104th festival at Christ Church and the Arts Centre in Old Town since it started on Friday.

It continues at the Arts Centre until Saturday, and chairman, Geoff Walters, is encouraging people across the town to come and watch. “We have had a good start, the standard this year is very impressive,” he said.

“We would love people to come along. There is so much good music on offer. It is only £1 to get in during the day so it is good value for money.”

There are about 600 entries, which is slightly more than last year, and the musicians’ ages range from five to 93.

The festival continues at the Arts Centre today from 9am with strings, woodwind, piano and recorder.

The Instrumental Championship takes place on Wednesday at 6.30pm, the Junior Vocal Championship takes place on Friday at 6.30pm and the Grand Concert takes place on Saturday at 6.30pm.

Last Friday, Robert Christopher Kippin won the Church Organ – Grade 5 and over section, Lucy Bosley won the Novice – any voice section, Encore won the groups, Christ Church Choir won the Adult Church Choirs section, and The Open Door Centre Choir won the Adult Choirs section.

On Saturday, Alexander Harris won the Brass Solo: under 12, George Le Coyte won the Brass Solo: 12- 16, Jessica Hourston won the Guitar Solo: Grades 1-2, and Eve Timbrell won the Guitar Solo: Grades 3-4.

The Guitar Duet : Grades 1–2 was won by Alex Kirby and Jessica Hourston, Guitar Duet: Grades 3, 4 and 5 was won by Luke Field and Peter Diamond, and Guitar Solo: Grades 5–6 was won by Samuel James.

The Instrumental Ensemble: 14 and under was won by Corinium Players, Instrumental Ensemble: 11 and under was won by Powells Guitar Ensemble, Piano Solo – Grades 5-6 was won by Mrunal Mane and the Piano Solo – Grade 7 and above was won by Jordan Isgin.

The 20th Century British Composer section was won by Margaret Bett, Nostalgia – Popular Song (1914 to end of 1940s) was won by Stephanie Walsh, Any voice – Amateur or Professional was won by Margaret Bett, Victorian or Edwardian Parlour Song (1840-1910) was won by Margaret Bett and Music Hall Song was won by Dominic Morgan.

Jazz - any voice was won by Becci Benson, Spiritual/Gospel Song was won by Margaret Bett and Modern Pop Song (1960s to present day) was won by Catherine Forty.