Dunmow school's talented musicians see success at festivals

Students at Felsted School in Dunmow have made great achievements after showing off their talents at two festivals.

Kaylea, 15, is a boarding student at Felsted, and is one of the students who was well-recognised at a festival.

Kaylea: She won seven trophies at the Southend Musical Festival

She entered a number of classes across two weekends at the Southend Musical Festival.

The festival is an annual competitive festival of music and drama that has classes for all ages and abilities that wish to take part.

It works as a celebration of the Arts in Southend and provides an opportunity to receive constructive and encouraging feedback from a professional adjudicator.

Kaylea performed in a series of violin and piano competitions across the weekends.

The young musician was awarded four trophies for her solo performances, as well as three trophies for duet and group performances.

Following her achievements, Kaylea was even invited to perform the violin at the Festival’s Winner’s concert.

As well as Kaylea, Eva, 13, also found success in a music festival.

Eva: At just 13, she won the under-14 solo piano class at the Chelmsford Competitive Festival

She is an all-round scholar at Felsted, and performed well in the Chelmsford Competitive Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.

This festival, similarly to Southend, also provides a platform for performers to showcase their skills and hard work.

Eva won the under-14 solo piano class, and came second in the under-14 piano recital class, only missing out on another first place by a single point.

Music is a huge part of life at Felsted School, and this has been the case for many years.

The school have the aim that everyone who wants to be involved musically can be accommodated.

Many opportunities exist for talented musicians, including a unique partnership with the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with whom students can follow an integrated programme.

Felsted’s Director of Music, William Warns, said: “It is fantastic that our musicians are making the most of the opportunity to participate in competitions outside of school.

“I am very proud of Eva's and Kaylea's achievements.”