Celebrating Westbury’s talent in young musician contest

OVER 30 talented musicians from Matravers School took part in the Young Musician Final on Wednesday 3rd July.

“The standard was extremely high and it was amazing to witness the talent which is encouraged and nurtured at the school,” said Anita Drago, Westbury Lions club president who sponsored the event. “The overall winner for the evening was Lauren Medway who sang ‘In the Arms of an Angel’ – a wonderful performance.”

The winner of the junior section was Charlie Loveridge playing ‘Swan Lake’ on the piano. The intermediate section was won by Luke Chidgey who played guitar and sang ‘Fast Car.’ The senior section was won by Abbie Brewer singing ‘The Closest Thing to Crazy,’and the ensemble competition was won by Jake Neller, Harriet Long and Bradley Foster singing and playing ‘No Diggity/Thrift Shop.’

The performances were judged by Richard O’Mahony, head of music at St Augustine’s Catholic School; Rachel Cooper who is studying for her Masters degree in music at the Royal College of Music, and Debbs Howells, a former Young Musician and keen performer at Matravers.

“All three judges were amazed at the standard of the students and had a very difficult job to choose the winners,” added Anita.

“The event is sponsored by Westbury Lions Club and as well as prizes for the winners above, we also give a bursary for music lessons. This is decided by the music staff at the school and was awarded to an amazing drummer, Gilbert Sarkar.”