CHILDREN from Dunsford Community Academy, which is part of the Learning Academy Partnership, took part in the annual Torbay Music Festival – with a number of pupils taking home prizes for their performances.

Torbay Music Festival is a competitive performing arts series which has been running since 1941, and sees hundreds of children from across Devon compete throughout the three-week long programme of events.

This included pupils from the academy’s Oak Class (Year 4, 5 and 6) who started learning the ukulele during their music lessons in October, with the children debuting their performing skills during the annual Christmas celebrations – singing ‘Silent Night’ and accompanying themselves on the ukulele.

Preparations for the festival began in January, with the children making the most of their music lessons to polish their performance.

The ukulele performance was led by a group of Year 6 girls, and the children were praised by the adjudicator, who commented on their focused and relaxed performance.

In addition to Oak Class’s success, a number of other pupils from Dunsford Community Academy received accolades for their exceptional individual performances.

Dunsford Community Academy pupils celebrate their successes at Torbay Music Festival
(Photo by Deborah Grace Photography)

Among the students who won prizes for their individual woodwind, brass or percussion performances were Tabby, Sophie, Jake, Sofia, Cressida, Isla and Archie.

The children had great fun taking part in the festival and are incredibly excited to continue learning how to play their musical instruments, with everyone already looking forward to their next performance.

Andrew Grimley, headteacher at Dunsford Community Academy, said: ‘At Dunsford Community Academy,

we are committed to providing our pupils with as many opportunities for enrichment as possible – both inside and outside of the classroom.

‘Music is just one of the ways in which we encourage our pupils to explore their talents, learn new skills and build their confidence through performance.

‘We are so proud to see the pupils showcase all the hard work they have been putting into their music lessons, and it is always a delight to hear them perform.’