Forres student crowned as Moray's Young Musician of the year
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Forres Academy pupil Edward Clark has been selected as Moray's young musician of the year.
The sixth-year student, who plays the cello in the National Youth Orchestra, was awarded the prize following a close contest on Thursday evening.
Seven young musicians from right across Moray performed two pieces each before an appreciative audience who had gathered at Elgin Academy for the event.
Thomas Main, a fifth-year student at Lossiemouth High School, played the drums with both flair and finesse to finish second.
Izzy MacPherson, who's only in first year at Milne's High School, was introduced onto the stage along with the information that her pet cat is no fan of her tuba playing.
The judges definitely were, however, and rewarded Izzy with third place – a decision which received a big cheer from the audience.
Alexander Davidson, the head of the Moray Instrumental Service, said: "Competitions like this give the musicians something to aim and practice for.
"But they're also important for reasons that go beyond music.
"Resilience and confidence are two things that are being stressed in education at the moment.
"It's difficult to get up on a stage in front of a lot of people, especially when you're young.
"Each of them will have learned a lot from tonight."
Finlay McLuckie, a pianist from Elgin Academy, and Tomek Meszka who plays the trumpet and is from Elgin High School were also among the finalists.
As were Abigail Campbell from Buckie High School who plays the bagpipes, and violinist Arwen Burns from Speyside High School.
Alistair Hardie, who headed the judging panel, complimented all the finalists on their abilities and commitment.
Before announcing the results, the retired musical director of the Culbin Singers passed on some useful tips about performing on stage and about how to get an audience on your side.
To demonstrate the importance of never giving up, he then recalled a nightmare entrance from long ago.
Walking into the room for his big audition he managed to fall through a swing door and scatter his sheets of music all over the floor.
Believing he'd already failed, he played as though he had nothing to lose – and passed.
Pronouncing Edward Clark as the competition's winner, Mr Hardie said: "A man who had great control. He went for it."
Edward will now go on to represent Moray in May at the Scottish Young Musician competition, which will be held at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow.
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