The musical talent at Beckfoot is off the scale!
had not planned to write my Blog this week but I felt I needed to following last night’s Beckfoot Young Musician of the Year.
Over recent weeks over one hundred and fifty students auditioned for this year’s final which took place last night. The level of interest annually is always something that makes you catch your breath because it is a stark reminder of a couple of things for me. Firstly, that our Creative Arts faculty is flourishing at a time when lots of schools are making cuts to this area and, secondly, just how fortunate we are to have this ‘conveyor belt’ of talent that just keeps coming through our school.
Last night was a sell-out. It was also the first time that we had the opportunity to test our new air conditioning in the hall which, for those of you who have experienced the heat in there, was a most welcome addition! Regardless, 
I have not enjoyed myself as much or been entertained to that level for quite some time. It was spectacular.
The evening began with last year’s winner, Caden, playing a stunning piece on the piano before taking his place as one of our guest judges this year. It was then the turn of our Key Stage 3 finalists. There were vocal performances, woodwind, piano, guitar and drums. That was followed by 
Key Stage 4+, which was similar in terms of content with the addition of a string’s performance.
After the interval came Groovetubes and the Key Stage ensembles which provided some incredible performances from various groups and duets.
The evening entertainment ended with a three numbers from our Soul Band which was a real treat and included the 80s song, Smooth Operator by Sade. Amazing!
I have no idea how the judges arrived at their decisions because any of those finalists would have been worthy winners. The winners on the evening were:
Most improved (voted for by Music Teachers): Evie- Players player (voted for by students): Olivia
- Key stage 3 audience vote winner: Jimmy
- Key stage 4/5 audience vote winner: Charlie
- Key stage 3 ensemble winners: Jimmy, Jack, Milton, Ellis and Tyler
- Key stage 4/5 ensemble winners: Olivia and Lizzie
- Key stage 3 solo runner up: Ella
- Key stage 3 solo winner: Jimmy
- Key stage 4/5 solo runner up: Harry
- Key stage 4/5 winner: Jonas
- Young musician of the year 2023: Jonas
I spend each day watching these young people do the normal everyday things like go to lessons, eat lunch and be with friends but they are not normal, anything but. They are incredibly talented and special and thankfully we have a school full of such young people. I was in awe of each of them last night and immensely proud too. I am so grateful to the Creative Arts faculty let by Mr. Stimpson, to the music team in particular led by Mike Lee and the incredible team of Peri staff we have who make such a difference to us all. It was an incredibly special evening and we must never take these things for granted.
Take Care
Simon Wade, Headteacher
