10 April 2026
March brought a brilliant run of results for Shropshire Music Service students at music festivals across the county, with gold medals, bursary wins, and standout performances from young musicians of all ages.
Eisteddfod Success for Youth Orchestra Members
Two members of the Shropshire Youth Orchestra delivered outstanding performances at the Minsterley and District 63rd Annual Eisteddfod, one of the longest-running music festivals in the region.
Violinist Bethany was awarded the Music Bursary for an Instrumentalist, a significant achievement that reflects her dedication and talent on the instrument.
Fellow orchestra member Jet, who plays both clarinet and saxophone in the ensemble, took first prize in the Open Instrumental Solo category. Both students have been developing their skills through regular orchestra rehearsals with Shropshire Music Service, and it was fantastic to see that hard work paying off on the festival stage.
Gold Medal Haul for Cornet and French Horn Player at Wenlock Live Arts Festival
Toby.
SMS instrumental student Toby Cleaton had a remarkable weekend at the Wenlock Live Arts Festival 2026, hosted by the Wenlock Olympian Society, collecting four medals across different categories and instruments.
Toby picked up Gold in the Senior Brass Solo category playing cornet, Gold in the Novice Instrumental Class on French horn, and Gold in the Senior Instrumental Duet alongside his brother Jacob on cello. He added a Silver in the Senior Piano Solo class to round off what can only be described as an extraordinary set of results. Playing at that level across brass, piano, and chamber music in a single festival takes real versatility, and the whole team at Shropshire Music Service is thrilled for him.
Robinson Brothers Take Gold in Senior Instrumental Trio
The Robinson family had plenty to celebrate too. Brothers Joel, Sam, and Zac, all SMS instrumentalists who regularly attend our Stompers and Riffs ensembles, were awarded Gold in the Senior Instrumental Trio category at Wenlock Live Arts Festival.
Sam added a Gold in the Primary Brass Solo class to his collection, while Zac went home with Gold in both the Primary Woodwind and Primary Piano Solo categories. The judges praised the skill and musicality all three brothers brought to their performances, and anyone who has heard them play at Stompers or Riffs sessions will know exactly how well deserved that recognition is. Look out for more about the Robinson family’s musical journey in our next newsletter from The Music Partnership.
Congratulations to Our Partner Schools
We also want to recognise the fantastic performances from Much Wenlock Primary and William Brookes Secondary at this year’s festival.
The standard of school music-making across Shropshire continues to grow, and it is always a pleasure to see our partner schools doing so well.
Well Done to Every Student Who Took Part
Festivals are about far more than medals and trophies.
Every student who got up on stage, managed their nerves, and performed in front of an audience achieved something worth celebrating. On behalf of everyone at Shropshire Music Service, a massive well done to all the young musicians who took part in festivals across the county throughout March.
Interested in music lessons, ensembles, or instrument hire in Shropshire?
Visit our instrumental lessons page to find out how to get started, or explore our music groups, bands, and ensembles including Stompers, Riffs, and the Shropshire Youth Orchestra. You can also find out about instrument hire and bursary support to help with costs.
