Two girls from Debenham High School competed against other talented musicians from across East Anglia to become winners in the District Final of the Rotary Young Musician competition, held in Cambridge on February 23rd. The girls were sponsored by Debenham’s local Rotary Club, High Suffolk.
Olivia da Costa came first in the Instrumental category, and Molly Hazelwood was runner-up in the Voice category. Both now go forward to the Regional Final in Buckinghamshire on Sunday 24th March 2013, and if successful there, will compete in the National final.
The adjudicators, nationally respected musicians in their own right, praised the quality of the entrants, many of whom were professional standard. The adjudicators assessed the entrants on both musical competence and performance skills. Olivia was said to be technically excellent, and – to quote the chief adjudicator, Leon Lovett - played with "soul". Molly wowed the judges with her singing and by looking the part, charming both audience and judges with her stage presence. Both engaged with the audience, something that the judges made clear was very important to them.
Music is massively important to the UK, home to some of the most talented young instrumentalists and vocalists in the world, giving pleasure to millions, financially on a par with the steel industry and ahead of the City as an export success story.
The Young Musician competition is one of many initiatives promoted by Rotary International in Britain and Ireland, designed to support young people and encourage their success.
The Rotary Club of High Suffolk would like to congratulate Molly and Olivia, and express thanks and appreciation to the staff and head teacher of Debenham High School for their support - the girls were a credit to Debenham, the High School, and the Club.
More photographs available at http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=350201&ClubID=1795
The Rotary Club of High Suffolk
w: www.highsuffolkrotary.org
e: info@highsuffolkrotary.org
Debenham High School
w: http://www.debenhamhighschool.suffolk.sch.uk/
e: office@debenhamhigh.co.uk
The Rotary Club of High Suffolk is looking for new members.
Rotary changes people’s lives. As part of an international voluntary organisation of more than 1.2 million men and women in over 170 countries around the world, Rotarians work together locally and globally to make life better for others, regardless of race, religion, culture or political inclination. Rotarians live by a code of high ethical standards and carry the creed of international goodwill and peace throughout all aspects of their personal, business and community lives. Rotarians make things happen, whilst enjoying mutual fellowship and having fun.
If you’d like to know more, contact Alan Cutting on 01728 860 866 or email info@highsuffolkrotary.org