PAST and present Ellesmere College students struck the right chord with judges in another strong showing at the recent Oswestry Youth Music Festival.

The festival, which has been running for more than 40 years, saw Ellesmere College collect 20 first places and a total of 40 seconds and thirds – making them the most successful school at this year’s festival.

It was held at three venues in the town between Wednesday, March 1 and Sunday, March 5 and attracted more than 450 entrants across more than 80 classes, including woodwind, string, piano, brass, instrumental, percussion, vocal, choir and band.

Tony Coup, director of music at Ellesmere College, said the school was delighted with the performance of the students.

“Huge congratulations to all the students taking part and performing in this year's festival and thanks go to all those who came and supported them through the five days of competition,” he said.

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“Special thanks go to Kevin Whitley, Gaenor Ellis, Simon Fisher, Rebecca Paul, Zoe Fisher and Clare Pearce for putting so much time into supporting, preparing and looking after our students and of course to our brilliant students who performed to the highest standard.

“There were some notable performances, including Walker Music Scholar Molly Fry who produced a beautiful programme on the clarinet on her way to winning the under-21 Woodwind Class.

“There will be an opportunity to hear Molly perform her Gershwin set at our Five Choirs Concert on April 21.

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“Isobel Philbin sang Se Tu M'Ami with great character, clarity and poise in the 12 and Under final, Kit Fisher performed on the Drum Kit for both the 12 and under and 15 and under finals with a maturity and refinement well beyond his years, and the Oswestry Town Council Cup, won by Old Ellesmerian Jakob Fradley last year, went to Old Ellesmerian Kizzy Lumley-Edwards this year.

“In developing music to a high standard and encouraging students to enjoy their performances, Ellesmere is the perfect place for the holistic development of musicians.”

The next opportunity to hear the award-winning choirs of Ellesmere College is on Saturday, March 18 in the College Chapel at 7.30pm, ahead of their forthcoming tour of Barcelona, where they will be singing in such prestigious locations such as the La Familia Sagrada, Barcelona Cathedral and Montserrat Monastery.