This year’s Instrumental Music Competition saw a record number of entries from Prep School to Senior School, with nearly 70 students performing across a full day of competition. Students competed in categories of different instruments ranging from Beginner to Advanced, demonstrating not only commitment but an impressive level of musical development across the school.
The competition concluded with an evening concert in the Epsom Theatre, where finalists from each category performed to an audience of family and friends. The standard throughout the day was consistently high, with the Advanced category in particular reaching a level that could rival conservatoire competitions.
We were delighted to welcome renowned cellist and founding member of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Davis, as our adjudicator. He commented on both the outstanding quality of the performances and the breadth of instrumentalists involved. Alongside more traditional instruments such as violin and piano, students performed on trumpet, saxophone, flute, clarinet, cello, electric and classical guitar, as well as traditional Chinese instruments including the dizi and erhu, a diversity not often seen in international school settings.
Mr Davis also noted that the Beginner category was “anything but beginner”, reflecting the strong foundations being developed by our students from an early stage.
The popularity and success of the event mean that next year’s competition is likely to expand to two days, providing even more opportunities for students to perform and be celebrated.
This event is a clear reflection of the depth, breadth and ambition of music at Epsom, where participation is high and excellence is evident at every level.
Thanks to Mr Nicholas Smith, Head of Academic Music, for organising and hosting such an exceptional event.
Mr Russell Crann
Director of Performing Arts