Young Percussionists Perform at Festival Competition
Young percussionists from schools across Perth and Kinross showcased their musical talents today in a lively morning of competition covering drum kit, snare drum, xylophone and timpani classes. The event was adjudicated by respected percussion specialist Tim Ridley, who offered feedback and encouragement to the performers throughout the session.
The programme began with the Drum Kit Solo (Level 1) class, where competitors performed Ball and Biscuit by The White Stripes. Pupils from St John’s RC Academy, Blairgowrie High School, Kinross High, Perth Grammar School, Morrison’s Academy and Bertha Park High School all took part.
Next was the Snare Drum Solo (Level 1) class featuring Journeying Home from the Hills by Zara Nunn, followed by the Xylophone Solo (Level 1) class, where entrants performed Tiptoe on the Ice, also by Zara Nunn.
The Timpani Solo (Level 1) class saw competitors perform Tumbledown Mountain by David Hext, demonstrating control, rhythm and musicality on the orchestral drums.
After the morning break, the competition continued with Drum Kit Solo (Level 2), in which performers tackled the classic rock track Baba O’Riley by The Who, before concluding with the Timpani Solo (Level 2) class performing The Haunted by Peter R. Birkby.
Special awards presented during the percussion section include The Premier Percussion Co. Shield, awarded to the most promising performers in the Drum Kit and Timpani classes, and The Wilkie’s Music Shield, awarded to the most promising performers in the Snare Drum and Xylophone classes.
Adjudicator Tim Ridley praised the competitors for their preparation and enthusiasm, highlighting the strong standard of percussion playing among young musicians in the region. The event formed part of the wider festival programme celebrating music-making by pupils from across local schools.
Results
Young percussionists from schools across Perth and Kinross delivered an energetic morning of performances at the local music festival, where the percussion section was adjudicated by Tim Ridley.
In Class 346 – Drum Kit Solo (Level 1), Christina Povey of Blairgowrie High School took first place with 81 marks. Iona Ewen of Kinross High and Rebecca Young-Herries of Morrison’s Academy shared second place on 80 marks, while Alex Neil of St John’s RC Academy and Clark Munro of Bertha Park High School were placed next with 76.
Class 325 – Snare Drum Solo (Level 1) was won by Clark Munro of Bertha Park High School with 75 marks, narrowly ahead of Iona Ewen of Kinross High who scored 74.
In Class 332 – Xylophone Solo (Level 1), Gregor Robertson of Perth High School achieved the top mark of the section with 83. Erica Graham of Bertha Park placed second with 77, followed by Jon Pennycook of Blairgowrie High School on 75.
The winner of Class 339 – Timpani Solo (Level 1) was Erica Graham of Bertha Park with 82 marks. Clark Munro of Bertha Park High School followed with 80, while Iona Ewen of Kinross High placed third with 78.
In Class 347 – Drum Kit Solo (Level 2), Jasmine Ferguson of Bertha Park took first place with 83 marks. Estee Blum of St John’s RC Academy and Lewis Thomson of Morrison’s Academy shared second place with 82.
The final competition of the session, Class 340 – Timpani Solo (Level 2), was won by Max Rutherford of Kinross High School with 78 marks. Hannah McIntyre of Perth Grammar School scored 77, while Jasmine Ferguson of Bertha Park achieved 75.
Special section awards include The Premier Percussion Co. Shield, presented to the most promising performers in the Drum Kit and Timpani classes, and The Wilkie’s Music Shield, awarded to the most promising performers in the Snare Drum and Xylophone classes.
Adjudicator Tim Ridley commended the competitors for their preparation and musicianship, noting the strong standard of percussion playing from pupils across the region.
Adjudicator’s remarks
Class 346 – Short Solo Pieces (Opening Class)
General comments
- Performances were very short, so the adjudicator noted he could only write brief comments rather than detailed analysis.
- He praised the confidence and enthusiasm of the performers.
Key feedback themes
- Focus on clarity of rhythm and pulse even in short pieces.
- Maintain good timing and control, especially when the music is very brief.
- Positive encouragement: performers showed good musical energy and commitment.
Overall impression
- A solid start to the day with promising young players.
Class 332 – “Tiptoe on the Ice”
(This class used the piece Tiptoe on the Ice.)
Main discussion point
- Dr Ridley focused heavily on musical interpretation of the title.
Key feedback themes
- Players should ask:
- What does the title suggest about the character of the music?
- How should the sound reflect the idea of “tiptoeing” or moving carefully?
- Emphasis on musical storytelling and imagery.
- Encouraged performers to think about:
- Lightness
- Control
- Delicacy of touch
Overall message
- Technical accuracy matters, but expressing the character of the piece is equally important.
Class 339 – Intermediate Performers
(Dr Ridley mentions some competitors had heard his adjudications before.)
General observation
- Some players had an advantage because they knew what he looks for.
Key feedback themes
- Important qualities he evaluates:
- Rhythmic security
- Consistency of pulse
- Musical awareness
- Listening to the groove
- He hinted that not all players successfully applied previous feedback.
Overall impression
- Competitors are progressing, but implementation of feedback and musical awareness still need work.
Class 347 – Classic Rock Performance
(The piece referenced music by The Who and drummer Keith Moon.)
Educational focus
- Understanding the original style and historical context.
Key feedback themes
- Students should listen to original recordings before performing a style.
- Knowledge of key artists (e.g., Keith Moon) helps inform performance.
- Rock drumming should capture:
- Energy
- Drive
- Authentic style