Video filled the musical stars with festival glory
IN a switch from the traditional live festival in March format, Ramsbottom Music Festival saw entrants submitting videos - where adjudicators provided constructive written feedback and awarded prizes.
The festival was aired online over ten days in April, and participants were able to view each other’s performances and hear tips and advice given by the panel - as would normally happen at a live festival.
The competition was stiffer than ever because in addition to musicians from the North West who usually attend the festival, being online meant that entries were also received from all over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Sophie Latham, from Rossendale, won first prize in the Grade 2 Woodwind class, playing tuneful renditions of ‘Air’ by H. Purcell and ‘Music Box’ by P. Sparke on oboe. Sophie is taught oboe by Nikki Lord at Bury Grammar School, and also studies cello with Ilona Hepburn.
Pupils of local Brass teacher, Liz Boardman from Haslingden, also enjoyed considerable success - winning several awards. They scooped all of the prizes in the Grade 4 Standard Brass Class, with Matthew Smith winning first prize playing trombone, Ethan Procter second prize also playing trombone, and Esther Braun third prize playing the cornet. Another of Liz’s pupils Oliver Williams claimed second prize in Grade 5 Standard Brass Class, playing trumpet.
As the majority of music festivals were cancelled this year, the organisers in Ramsbottom have received many emails of thanks and congratulations from music teachers and parents.
Festival chair Mary Crehan said they look forward to hearing many talented musicians from the area once again at a live Ramsbottom Music Festival in 2022.
She added: “Congratulations to all of the prize-winners and, indeed, to all the musicians who kept practising their instruments and attained such a high standard. They should be very proud of themselves.”