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Heartfield Wharam 2024 01

Guitar Performance Wins Music Bursary

Guitar Performance Wins Music Bursary

A talented musician at Solihull Sixth Form College impressed friends, family and a judging panel to secure a £150 bursary to pay for private music tuition, following auditions at a scholarship concert at the College this week.

Second year A level Music student Nick Hand’s guitar performance at the Heartfield Wharam Scholarship Concert impressed the judging panel. He performed ‘Choros No 1’ by Villa-Lobos to secure the top prize from judges of Parent Governor Sarah Baker and College Principal Martin Sullivan. Sarah is an experienced musician herself, as a pianist, composer and examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

12 learners, from both Year 12 and Year 13, performed challenging solos. The judges praised all the musicians for their excellent performances, but highlighted three students for particular praise. As well as Nick’s performance, they were especially impressed with Oscar Pinero’s violin piece and El Longley’s piano and vocal performance.

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 29 years the scholarship fund has continued.

Music teacher Catherine Douglas commented:

“Well done to all the Music students who auditioned, but especially Nick, El and Oscar. Our young people were very nervous before the concert, but they rose to the challenge and did themselves and the College proud.”

23 October 2024