Cellist Seren Barrett from Tenby CiW VC School was the overall winner at this year’s Primary Schools Valero Music Festival.

The annual festival - organised by the Pembrokeshire County Council’s Music Service and sponsored by Valero – took place at Haverfordwest High V.C School in Haverfordwest on 23rd March.

Over 200 young musicians from the County’s primary schools took part in individual and ensemble competitions throughout the day.

Later in the afternoon, an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a ‘Showcase’ concert featuring the individual and ensemble winners from the day’s competitions, as well as the newly founded County Training Orchestra conducted by Mrs J Underwood.

Music Service co-ordinators Philippa Roberts and Sarah Benbow declared afterwards: “The young musicians of Pembrokeshire continue to make everyone proud with their dedication and achievements.”

County Music Service Manager, Ben Field and head adjudicator Mr Chris Llewellyn presented Seren with the trophy. Seren performed ‘Latin Nights’ by Kathy and David Blackwell.

The Open Brass competition winner was Faye Katsapi from Ysgol Gelli Aur who performed the 1st movement from ‘Concertino for Trumpet’ by Lars-Erik Larsson.

Cosmo Karerin, who is home educated, won the Open Piano class and performed ‘A Kwela for Caitlin’, by Richard Michael.

Meanwhile the Open Woodwind class winner was Harry Armstrong, Alto Sax, from Milford Haven Community Primary School. He performed ‘Intermezzo from L’Arlesienne Suite’ by Bizet.

The Open Instrumental Ensemble competition was won by St Oswalds Woodwind Quartet. Flute - Isabelle Burdett, Millie Thomas. Clarinet - Mariana Foster and Ella Bromby. They performed ‘The Irish Washerwoman’ Trad. Arr. S Jenkins.

Jonathon Lee from Tenby CiW VC School won the Open percussion class with a performance of ‘Knock on Wood’ by Eddie Floyd.

The invited professional adjudicators were greatly impressed with the high standard and strength of schools’ music on show from across the County.

“I travel across the country as an examiner and performer,” said the brass judge Dennis Mahoney.

“The standard reached by these young pupils in Pembrokeshire is unsurpassed. This music festival is so important and something to treasure.”

The other adjudicators were Mark Jennings (woodwind), Chris Llewellyn (ensembles), Jane Gregory (strings), Sarah-Jane Absalom (piano/harp), and Nick Baron (percussion).

County Music Manager, Ben Field, thanked the judges, teachers, parents and students for making the festival such a success.

“Thanks also go to the Friends of Pembrokeshire Young Musicians for their continued support to the Music Service at this and all events throughout the year,” he said.

He added: “Once again, we have witnessed extraordinary displays of talent from our young people. It has been a memorable day and one which has taken place thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, Valero, to whom we are all once again indebted.”