Cheshire East Schools' Music Competition 2018

On the evening of Tuesday 27th March the finalists of the 2018 Cheshire East Primary School's Music competition took to the stage at Crewe Lyceum in front of a large and supportive crowd to showcase their considerable musical abilities and with the aim to catch the ear of the two judges, Mark Hall (Director of the CBSO Children's Chorus) and Robbie Gardiner (Assistant Head of Music Education at the RNCM).

The finalists, Elworth Hall Primary School String Ensemble, Dingle Primary School Ensemble and the Elworth Hall School Band, Excalibur Primary School Choir, The Dingle School Choir and Elworth Hall Primary School Choir didn't disappoint. The standard on display during the evening was there for all to see and appreciated and was testament to the huge amount of dedication the pupils had clearly given in preparation for the competition. Similarly great credit must be given to the school teachers and ensemble leaders who had worked with the groups so effectively in advance. 
At the end of the evening, it was Excalibur Primary School Choir and Elworth Hall School Band who were crowned 2018 winners, each receiving a shield and a £500 cheque to continue developing the music provision at their schools.

The following evening it was the turn of the Secondary finalists as on Wednesday 28th, Sandbach School Wind Orchestra, Poynton High School Jazz Ensemble, Sandbach School 'Brass Phats', Brine Leas Choir, Sandbach School Choir and Alsager School Choir competed before the two judges, Jim Muirhead (Clarinetist with the Halle Orchestra and Jacqui Drennan (Curriculum Leader of Music at Lady Barn School). The performance levels on display were nothing short of stunning with all groups and choirs richly entertaining the large and appreciative crowd. 
Come decision time though, it was Poynton High School Jazz Ensemble and Sandbach School Choir who left with the spoils in what turned out to be in the judges words 'a wonderful display of youth music making'.

Congratulations to the winners, the finalists and a huge thank you to all those who took part in the competition this year. Over 40 school ensembles and choirs performed as part of the event and each and every musician should feel extremely proud of their performance.