Musicians are set to take part in virtual eisteddfod
WITH restrictions on live events still in place, the Music Service for Gwynedd and Anglesey schools has decided to take matters into its own hands and create a unique opportunity for its pupils to perform on a virtual stage.
For the first time the Service, which delivers music lessons to pupils across the counties of Gwynedd and Ynys Môn, will hold a virtual eisteddfod which will let children and young people showcase their talent and compete on a digital platform.
With stars and well-known names in Welsh music taking part as adjudicators, the event has already attracted support from many schools across the area.
Mared Williams and Dafydd Jones, both well-established singers are amongst the adjudicators, as are harpist Katherine Thomas, and pianists Rhiannon Pritchard and Richard Vaughan.
Tudur Eames, Director at the Music Service said: “Creating opportunities for children and young people to develop their talent and enjoy music is core to our vision, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to provide those opportunities without being more creative.
“So, we decided to take steps by organising our own virtual eisteddfod.
“It’s been such a difficult time for everyone, especially for children and young people who are facing another period of school closures.
“Without the opportunity to take part in concerts, competitions and even face-to-face lessons we were determined to try and give them a reason to keep practising and enjoying music.”
Talking about the event, Mared Williams said: “I’m delighted to take part in the virtual eisteddfod, and can’t wait to listen to all the performances.
“We have all been forced to think differently about how to continue working, learning and interact with each other – so I’m sure the eisteddfod will be a huge success.
“There is so much talent amongst our young people – it’s important it gets heard and enjoyed.”
The Music Service has been providing music lessons in schools across Gwynedd and Anglesey since 1996.
It has over 50 professional tutors for voice and all instruments.
Lessons usually take place in over 150 schools, but since the lock down of spring 2020 they have been online.
To take part all that pupils have to do is to send a video of their performance to the Music Service by January 21.
Full details and a list of competitions can be found on cerdd.com.
Unlike a regular eisteddfod many of the performances will be judged on the basis of level or grade rather than age.