A talented bass musician at Solihull Sixth Form College has won a bursary to pay for private music tuition following auditions at a scholarship concert at the Widney Manor Road college.
Second year learner Dougie Hill (aged 18 from Shirley) secured the top prize for his performances at the Heartfield Wharam Scholarship Concert. He performed ‘Donna Lee’ by Charlie Parker on Bass Guitar.
13 learners, from both Year 12 and Year 13, performed challenging solos to be judged by a panel of staff. The judging panel praised all the musicians for their wonderful performances, but highlighted the extras that really impressed them with Dougie’s performance. Dougie has won £150 to spend on music tuition from an eminent performer of his choice.
This bursary was set up in memory of two great musicians who strongly supported music in Solihull and at the College. Roy Heartfield was the original Head of Music at the College, who died in post in 1992, while Margaret Wharam was the former Head of Music at Malvern Hall and Head Organist at Solihull Methodist Church. The first winner of this prize was in 1994 and for the last 28 years the scholarship fund has continued.
Music teacher Catherine Douglas commented:
“Congratulations to Dougie for his fantastic performance and well done to all 13 learners who auditioned. It is a nerve-wracking thing to perform in public, particularly when you are performing such challenging pieces of music, but they did themselves and the College proud.”
The next opportunity to see live music at the College will be at the Christmas Concert on Tuesday 13 December at 7.00pm.
17 October 2022