Annual music festival is right on song (From Dorset Echo)

Annual music festival is right on song

8:47am Monday 3rd March 2008 in Search By Laura Kitching

MUSICIANS of genres from rock to classical gathered at Wey Valley School in Weymouth to perform and be entertained.

The annual music festival attracted 400 people throughout the day with workshops, recitals and feedback from professionals.

Group singers, including the Bridport Primary School choir performed a selection of upbeat songs accompanied by hand claps to a packed assembly hall, while solo artistes like Georgia Donaldson and Clare Phelan entertained smaller groups in the classrooms. Woodwind, percussion, and rock bands also took part in the festival.

The Flute Mosaic group gave an entertaining performance to a large crowd in the drama studio, with a combination of jaunty and challenging pieces.

The event was organised by chairman of the festival committee Angela Nankivell.

Festival secretary, Liz Williams said: "The best thing about it is it's non-competitive, so people aren't afraid to take part.

"There's no question of anybody losing or feeling that they haven't performed well.

"It's very much about encouraging people with their music."

She added: "I think it's a wonderful thing to do and brings the whole community together.

"We've seen solicitors, doctors, teachers, nurses, people that work in shops, all sorts of people just playing and enjoying their music together.

"It's definitely grown over the years in popularity."

The festival has been going for about 20 years.

A small number of the musicians will be selected by a committee panel to perform this Friday at Wey Valley School in Dorchester Road.

Admission to the Festival Concert is £3 per adult and £1 for children, with family tickets available.

Tickets are available on the door, and all festival entrants get in free.