The morning session at the Church Hall of St Leonard’s-in-the-Fields Church was a vibrant celebration of young musical talent, featuring cello and double bass performers at Level 1. Expertly adjudicated by Ellen Martin, the session drew an astonishing 25 entrants in the opening cello class alone—an impressive turnout highlighting the strength of emerging string players.
🎶 Cello Solo (Level 1) – Class 189
Beginning at 9:30am, the cello class showcased a delightful and varied programme. Performers tackled well-loved beginner repertoire alongside imaginative modern pieces, including:
- Twinkle, Twinkle (Thomas Gregory)
- Ode to Joy – Ludwig van Beethoven
- Walk on Mars, Footprints in the Snow, Fiery Fiddler, and A String Hoe Down (all by Thomas Gregory)
- Can-Can – Jacques Offenbach
- Old MacDonald (arr. Thomas Gregory)
The class featured 25 young cellists from schools across the region, each demonstrating enthusiasm, developing technique, and musical confidence. The programme struck a balance between traditional melodies and lively character pieces, keeping both audience and adjudicator engaged throughout.
🎼 Double Bass Solo (Level 1) – Class 196
At 11:15am, attention turned to the rich tones of the double bass. Though smaller in number, this class offered equally charming performances, featuring:
- Basse Noisette – Tony Osborne
- Greek Song – Tony Osborne
Three performers delivered confident renditions, demonstrating strong foundational skills on this larger instrument.
The morning session set an inspiring tone for the day, with remarkable participation and evident dedication from all young musicians. The large entry in the cello class, in particular, reflects a thriving interest in string playing at beginner level.