Outstanding singers from King William’s College have excelled in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams.
Year 10 pupil Graihagh Cordwell (15) passed Grade 8 Singing with Distinction, the highest grade possible with an outstanding mark of 141/150.
Year 8 pupil Caleb Bester (13) also achieved 141/150 in Grade 6 Singing, both under the tutelage of Mrs Liz Green, Director of Music.
Meanwhile, Callum Finch, from the Upper Sixth Form, and Ross Penrose, from Upper Fifth, also achieved Grade 8 in the singing examination; Callum had progressed from Grade 0 to Grade 8 in only a year.
As result, a total of 13 pupils now hold Grade 8 status.
Liz Green, Director of Music, said, "We support all our pupils, and help them to reach their full potential, but for someone of Caleb’s age to achieve such a high mark is extraordinary.
"An average mark would be around 119, and a distinction – which is very difficult to get – is 130 plus, so to have achieved 141/150 is extraordinary.
"Graihagh’s success is also fantastic, and we are delighted for them both and hope that they go on to greater things."
Graihagh recently took part in the annual Young Composers Concert, at which all the music students in Years 10 to 13 performed their own and their fellow students’ compositions, showcasing their talent and demonstrating what they had prepared for their exams.
Mrs Green said, "The entire concert, including genre choices, composition and performance was carried out entirely by students and demonstrated their ability to work well together and produce a fantastic evening. Graihagh stood out, but the standard of musicianship from everyone was superb.
"It was really great to witness the students’ passion and devoted interest in the concert as well as their desire to be completely involved at every level."
Graihagh, who also plays the piano, said, "I started singing when I started at King William’s at the age of 11, but I have only been studying it seriously for the last two years.
"Having completed Grade 8 has given me a real boost, and I am now working towards a diploma and would like to write my own music."
Caleb, who started singing lessons while a pupil at the Buchan, said, "I am proud of my achievement and it has spurred me on to keep going. I’m now working on Grade 7 and would like to go as far as I can."
Pictured: Graihagh accompanied by the school orchestra, led by Director of Music, Liz Green (with her back to the audience) singing in Big School at a recent school concert.
