A YEAR 7 pianist from Greenhill School, Elizabeth Morgan, was the overall winner at this year’s Secondary Schools Valero Music Festival.

The annual festival, which is organised by the Pembrokeshire County Council Music Service and sponsored by Valero, took place at Haverfordwest High School on November 17.

More than 200 young musicians from each of the county’s eight county secondary schools, Pembrokeshire College and further afield took part in individual and ensemble competitions throughout the day.

Later in the afternoon, an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a ‘Spotlight’ concert showcasing the individual winners and the winners of the instrumental and vocal ensemble competitions.

During the concert every performer who was placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd throughout the day received a badge in recognition of their achievement.

Music Service coordinators Philippa Roberts and Sarah Benbow said: “This concert is a celebration of the continued hard work and dedication of the young musicians of Pembrokeshire.

“Thanks also go to ‘The Friends of Pembrokeshire Young Musicians’ for providing refreshments and who continue to support the Music Service at all events throughout the year.

Denis Mahoney, ensemble adjudicator, expressed his admiration for the day: “This level of achievement is indeed ‘bucking the National trend,’ and can only be attributed to the wonderful teaching taking place, and the fantastic organisation and management of the music service and staff.”

The overall winner Elizabeth Morgan was presented with the Tim Bourne Memorial Cup by Head Adjudicator Timothy Angel.

The invited professional adjudicators were - Timothy Angel, vocal; Denis Mahoney ensemble; Peter Fielding, woodwind; Robin Hackett, brass; Karin Jenkins, strings; Sarah-Jane Absalom, piano, Melanie Walker, instrumental, Max Ireland, percussion and Jazz.

The event concluded with County Music Service Manager Ben Field thanking the adjudicators, teachers, parents and students for making the festival such a success.