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12 year old Christian Aldridge from Tuxford has lots to celebrate, last Friday he beat 120 young musicians to bag the top prize at the Woodard Schools’ Young Musician of the Year competition.
The competition is open to the 30,000 pupils across Woodard’s 39 academies, independent and state-maintained schools.
Christian’s winning performance was conducted live over Zoom and his piece on the Marimba (a large percussion instrument, with notes made of wood) impressed the panel of judges enough to score him top marks.
Dad Phil is also a musician and accompanied Christian on the piano as he played a piece by Italian composer, Vittorio Monti called ‘Csárdás - a Hungarian folk dance.
The news comes shortly after Christian learned that he’s been accepted to the Royal Northern College of Music. Starting in September, he’ll manage his studies at Worskop College alongside attendance at the prestigious music school on a Saturday.
Christian, who started at Ranby House School in year 5 and moved up to Worksop College in 2017, has always been musical, playing the drums since he was three years old. Also a proficient piano player, it was at Ranby that he found his love of percussion.
Dad Phil is overwhelmed with Christian’s achievements.
“We’ve been absolutely thrilled with all the encouragement he’s had from Ranby and Worksop College. He’s had so many opportunities – this is just one example. We can’t imagine that having happened anywhere else. We’re thrilled for him.”
Dr Price echoes those sentiments.
“Anyone who’s heard Christian play can attest to his immense skill and talent. We are incredibly proud of him and look forward to seeing him go from strength to strength as his musicianship develops.”
Watch Christian's winning performance, HERE