A 12-year-old school pupil has taken first place in an under-21 music competition.
Sally Williams, a year eight pupil at Thomas Adams School, took the top spot in the strings solo at the Oswestry Youth Music Competition.
Two other pupils from the school in Lowe Hill Road, Wem, also came home with silverware.
Bethan Day, in year 13, won the opera competition and 16-year-old Joe Corn scooped the Percussionist of the Year award in the 21 and under category.
Sally, of Ruyton XI Towns, played Vivaldi on the violin at the competition last month (FEB 26-28).
She said: “It is the second year I have won the category and it was better this year because it was a pleasure to see my name on the cup already.
“I have been playing for four years and love the violin, I really enjoy it when I’m playing.
“I would love to go on to play professionally, with an orchestra behind me, that would be amazing.”
The competition was held at Christchurch in Oswestry.
Year 11 student Joe has been taught by a familiar face – his mum – Claire Stone, who is also the drum teacher at Thomas Adams. Joe played two compositions including one of his own called Slick Sticks to impress the judges with his talent.
He played against senior college and university students.
Joe, who lives in Wem, said: “I’ve played the drums since year five and am taught by my mum who has played for more than 20 years.
“It’s very relaxing and I really enjoy it.”
Joe said his aim was to now play for the school band following his title win.
And it seems competition success is in the family after his younger brother 12-year-old George Corn, also competed in the festival and took 5th place in the strings section after playing his guitar in the under 12’s age group.
Music teacher Rebecca Heywood said: “I am incredibly proud of all the students who took part.
“We always enjoy entering the competition in Oswestry as there is such a high standard of talent.
“For our students here at Thomas Adams School to come away with prizes is brilliant, they have put so much hard work in and this is a true reflection of their ability.”
In addition, year nine pupil Taran Lyth came second in the under15 Drum Kit Solo and was commended in the under15 Beginner Solo, year eight student Evan Allison came third and got a got a merit in the under15 Beginner Solo and Leo Ahmad, who’s in year eight was commended in the Drum Kit Solo for under12s.
Head teacher Liz Dakin added: “We were delighted when we heard about the competition success, the students were all eager to come into school and show their trophies off – and rightly so.
“Our music department works incredibly hard all year round and I’m very pleased they have been recognised for not only this hard work, but also the talent they are nurturing here at Thomas Adams.
“We hope it continues for many years to come.”
Joe Corn, George Corn, Sally Williams and head teacher Liz Dakin
