East Coast Young Musician of the Year

Superbly talented Rachael has continued to delight and amaze audiences with her performances as she enters her final weeks at St Peter's. She recently drew rapturous applause when she played a showpiece on the saxophone to the school in Morning Chapel, and last weekend she won the East Coast Young Musician Competition, against very strong finalists from East Riding and further afield. Rachael had gone through to the final as the winner of the U18 classical category. This competition has grown in stature and size since it was established in Bridlington thirteen years ago.

The initial rounds were judged on recorded submissions this year, and resulted in silver awards for Fred (Third Form) and Tristan (St Peter's 8-13, J5). The gold award players from each age category were then invited to play to a panel of three judges as part of a concert hosted by Hornsea Music Society. Rachael performed the beautiful virtuosic Solo de Concours for clarinet, written by Andre Messager in 1899 for the annual Paris Conservatoire student contest. She followed this with a stunning jig-like movement from Charlotte Harding's Voyage 111 for soprano sax. Rachael played for St Peter's 8-13 Assembly on Friday, where her musicianship, technical agility and engaging delivery will doubtless inspire the next generation. She will of course also feature in the end-of-term Cabaret Concert.

Mr Walker, St Peter's Head Master, said 'Congratulations Rachael! We have been lucky to hear so many incredible performances over the years and the future looks bright and exciting.'

Mr Miles-Kingston, Director of Music at St Peter's, said 'I was delighted to hear from Mr Bayley that Rachael was named as the East Coast Young Musician of the Year following the competition on Saturday. She is one of a number of fantastic musicians who have developed through our foundation through to the Upper Sixth.'