A pair of Pembrokeshire pupils have come up trumps at Rotary awards for ‘Young Musicians’.

The Rotary Southern Wales final of ‘Young Musician’ at Islwyn School in Blackwood recently, featured two talented students from West Wales.

It was second time winning this competition for Mared Phillips from Wolfscastle, a pupil of Ysgol Bro Preseli in Crymych who was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland. Mared a vocalist of great talent impressed the judges. She went on last year to be the runner up at the Southern Wales and South West England competition.

Dylan on the drums
Dylan on the drums! (Pic supplied)

Also in the instrumentalist part of the competition was Dylan Sanders Swales sponsored by the Rotary Club of Haverfordwest. Dylan from Milford Haven who attends Haverfordwest High School was sensational on the drums.

Dylan said the win was “totally unexpected” as there was “such talent” at the competition. He’s super excited to perform in Cardiff and the Super Mario hat will be making an appearance again! He and Mared are both grateful to their sponsoring clubs.

Mary presenting Dylan with his prize and wearing the Super Mario hat
Mary presenting Dylan with his prize and wearing the Super Mario hat (Pic supplied)

The Rotary Young Musician Competition is organised and promoted by Rotary International. There are four stages to the competition, each designed to support and encourage the development of musical talent. The competition aims to offer young people the experience of performing on a public stage and an opportunity to showcase their musical talent. Each contestant gets impartial feedback and assessment of their performance by experienced adjudicators.

Both Mared and Dylan won their club Young Musician and West Wales finals.

Mared seen with fellow contestants
Mared seen with fellow contestants (Pic supplied)

Both students will progress to the Southern Wales and South West England final to be held at Howells School in Cardiff, featuring Young Chefs, Youth Speaks, and the Young Musician, with the competitions forming part of a Rotary Festival of Youth on the weekend of March 23/24.

“It’s so inspiring to see so many talented young musicians shining in a competitive environment. It really is encouraging that competitions like this are still running this successfully and proving Rotary can be a real force in improving the futures of young people,” said Narberth and Whitland Rotarian Mary Adams, District Governor of Southern Wales.