At the recent Taunton & Somerset Music, Drama and Dance Festival, which took place at Taunton School, 7-year old Ella Hague won first prize in her piano solo class. It was Ella’s first appearance at the Festival, who has been learning the piano for only 18 months and the Festival adjudicator, Graeme Humphrey, commented that she had set a “very high standard” for her class. Ella is a pupil at Sherborne Preparatory School.
Against some fierce competition, Cimmie Hannam (12) from Sherborne, was awarded 2nd place and a Distinction in her piano solo class. Cimmie, who has been learning the piano for less than two years, is a pupil at the Gryphon School.
Other successful competitors were Jago Tucker (9) from Montacute and Ellie Curtis (10) from Chetnole, who were awarded commendations for their duet and solo classes and Alex Park (12) from Halstock, who was also awarded a commendation for his playing. Isobel Olivey (15) from Tintinhull was awarded a Merit in her class.
The pupils are taught by Yeovil pianist Caroline Wallis-Newport who said: ‘The results of these young students show what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. I am delighted with their success.'”