Students from Ellesmere College have taken 24 first place prizes at a Shropshire music competition.
They dominated the popular Oswestry Music Festival with 16 first place positions for soloists and a further eight for ensembles.
The festival, organised by Oswestry Town Council, showcases the best young musicians and gives them the chance to receive valuable feedback designed to support their musical development.
It attracts entries from across Shropshire, Cheshire, Wrexham and North and Mid Wales.
“We are thrilled with the performance by our students at this year’s festival,” said Ellesmere College director of music Tony Coupe.
“Over the last five years, the quality of music-making has consistently developed at the college which now has a first class reputation for music.
“The Oswestry Music Festival is a major competition giving young people the opportunity to compete and listen to one another, as well as receive helpful feedback.
“It is also a great affirmation that things are moving in the right direction at a time when the arts are struggling in many schools.”
During the week long event competitions take place at the Methodist Church, Christchurch and Holy Trinity Church in the town.
Notable musicians for Ellesmere this year were singers Huw Lloyd and Kizzy Lumley-Edwards. Kizzy now attends the Royal Northern College of Music Junior Conservatoire at weekends.
“It is great to see students doing well as soloists but brilliant that they can adapt their skills to perform successfully within ensembles,” added Tony.
“Thanks must go to Sue Turner and the Oswestry Town Council who continue to grow this successful music festival.”
