Last Saturday, 19th March, over 100 children represented St Mary's at the annual Basingstoke and Deane Music festival at QMC. The school had once again entered three classes for junior school orchestra, ensemble and choir.

It was a very early start for the orchestra whose class started at 9.00am and we were the last of four orchestras. The children looked incredibly smart and well organised, keeping their eyes firmly on Mrs Malone as she conducted. The children played two contrasting pieces to show how versatile they already are and I am pleased to announce that the cup once again returned to St Mary's.

Next up was the wind band with some new arrivals slotting in as well as a group of children making a speedy change over from their orchestra instruments to their windband ones. Once again the children played amazingly well and were not at all flustered by the quick change that they had to make. Once again I am proud to announce that the shield has returned to us for the 11th time!

There was now a bit of a break, which some children managed to fill with ballet exams and swimming lessons, until the choir's class started at 3.40pm. The choir was up against some really stiff competition, as had the orchestra been in the morning. Once again they looked incredibly smart and disciplined as well as demonstrating a real love for their singing. They once again sang two contrasting pieces and I know that there was many a tear in parents' eyes after their rendition of 'The Moon'. They eventually finished a really well-earned second place.

Congratulations to everyone who took part - you really did us proud. Our thanks also go to Mrs Chittey who accompanied the children, Mrs Malone for all her hard work in preparing the children and all of the other adults who helped to organise our very big groups on the day.