Youth Music Festival 2017

The fifth Youth Music Festival took place in St Mary's Church Haddenham on the afternoon of Saturday 4th March.

A packed church, with an age range of in excess of 80 years, listened to 29 performances involving children and young people from reception to upper senior school.

In addition to 15 piano solos, there were 6 violin players, a flautist, a harpist, a trumpeter, a drummer, a saxophonist, a guitar duo and a very energetic and keen group of young singers from St Mary's School — The Treble Clefs. The latter were directed by Elizabeth Law a music teacher from the school.

Irrespective of level of performance, all players and singers had in common the confidence to perform before an audience well in excess of 180 people and provided a pleasing variety of entertainment.

It was most gratifying to realise that there is so much musical talent and potential in our community. Our young musicians are much appreciated and we are grateful for the encouragement provided by the parents and teachers.

The event was organised by Jenny Hardy and Tricia Stradling in aid of the Friends of St Mary's who raise money for the maintenance and restoration of the church building.

The performances were ably directed by the compère Claire Haynes an international harpist and the proceedings were closed by the Revd Margot Hodson, Rector of the Wychert Vale Benefice. She thanked the participants, Claire Haynes, those who attended, the organisers and the supporters who provided refreshments, controlled entry, operated the audio visual equipment and prepared the church for the event.

A delightful afternoon was had by all!

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