Music Festival 2026

The annual Music Festival at The Manchester Grammar School attracted over 150 entries from pupils across the Senior School and Sixth Form. Many participants showcased their dedication and musical talent by competing in multiple categories, reflecting the school’s vibrant culture of creativity.

Awards were presented across all year groups, with pupils receiving Winner, Runner-Up, and Highly Commended accolades in their respective categories. The festival featured a diverse range of categories, including Advanced Strings, Percussion, Vocal, Intermediate Woodwind, Ensemble, and many more. Pupils performed across elementary (Grades 1–3), intermediate (Grades 4–5), and advanced levels (Grade 6+), demonstrating technical excellence and a genuine passion for music. Each performance left the audience and external adjudicators inspired.

Year 7 pupil Otoniel said: “On the day of the Music Festival, I was nervous but very excited. I told myself to just think of it as a performance rather than a competition. I played both the piano and the cello. On the piano, I performed Sonatina in C Major, Movement 2 by Friedrich Kuhlau. I chose the piece because of the light and lively melody. In addition, I really liked the simple but effective scales and arpeggios in this piece. On the cello, I played Humoresque by Antonín Dvořák. I chose the piece because it has a beautiful melody and rhythm, and I liked the contrast between the loud and quiet parts. I also enjoyed listening to the other students perform; they were all very talented and inspired me to keep improving. I am thankful for my music teachers and family for their encouragement. This festival has helped me grow as a musician and feel more confident on stage.”

Year 7 pupil Xiangfeng added: “The Music Festival is an amazing opportunity to express the musical ability of all MGS pupils, whether at Grade 1 or Grade 8. As this is my first year at MGS, I still have five to six years to attend. My piece was Gigue by Robert de Visée. I enjoyed it because it had a lively and relaxing feel, almost like something I could fall asleep to. I had initially wanted to quit guitar, but my mum encouraged me to continue, and I gradually started enjoying it. Through guitar, I developed an interest in music overall and later began piano lessons. After the festival, I feel further encouraged to keep learning and trying. I hope to continue enjoying playing guitar and believe that with persistence, I can play freely. My advice to myself is to keep trying, and I will always reach my goals.”

Year 7 pupil Bertie reflected: “This is my first year at MGS, and I decided to enter the Music Festival because my brother, who is in Year 9, encouraged me to join. I also entered the piano, and my music teachers were very supportive. I enjoyed playing Shanty on the clarinet because it is my favourite piece for my upcoming Grade 3 exam. I practised hard to be ready for the festival. At first, I was very nervous, but seeing my friend cheered me up. My family were very proud of me when I returned home. I particularly liked the golden badge I received for winning, which I now wear on my blazer. Next time, I would enter again and encourage others to participate because it is so much fun and a positive experience.”

Year 7 pupil Reuben commented: “My second time competing in a Music Festival at MGS was exciting and somewhat nerve-wracking. After a disappointing performance in Year 6, I had promised myself not to perform publicly again, but there I was. While mistakes were made—at one point a very unintentional strum—I recovered quickly. My hand was covered in sweat, but overall it went rather well. I would like to thank my teacher, Mr Jervis, and my parents for encouraging me to play. It was a very positive experience, and I am keen to participate again next year.”

Year 8 pupil Hadrian shared: “I love the Music Festival at MGS and have participated every year since Year 3. Last year I was runner-up and hoped to win in Year 8. This year, I played the Muppet Show theme, a cheerful and fun song. I imagined the Muppets coming to life as I played, which made me smile! I practiced daily to achieve my goal of winning my category, and my mum reminded me to enjoy the performance as well. I would recommend learning an instrument to anyone—it has boosted my confidence and ability to perform in front of an audience. Despite challenges, particularly reading music with dyslexia, I am glad I persevered and was rewarded with the win.”

Year 8 pupil Jasper said: “I performed The Pool Along the Rushes by Joan Trimble on my clarinet and won the Intermediate Woodwind Category for the second consecutive year. It was encouraging to receive feedback outside my usual circle. I particularly enjoy the piece because of its expressive nature and the interpretive freedom it allows. The festival provides a wonderful opportunity to perform as a soloist, alongside many other performance opportunities at MGS.”

Year 11 pupil Steve reflected on the significance of music: “Classical music is often underappreciated today, not because it lacks relevance, but because it requires attention that modern culture rarely encourages. I performed Chopin’s Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. posth. I considered a more virtuosic piece but chose one demanding emotional depth. Music should be presented as storytelling, not merely for achievement. I hope future participants will continue to pursue the same goal.”

Year 12 pupil Raphael commented: “The MGS Music Festival was a delight to watch and perform in. In the singing category, we heard Italian arias, musical theatre from Les Misérables to Hamilton, and even George Michael’s Careless Whisper. I performed A Bit of Earth from The Secret Garden. The atmosphere was supportive, and I was honoured to come first in my category, especially in my first year at the Sixth Form. I look forward to participating in more school music events.”

Year 13 pupil Tav reflected on his final festival: “I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Music Festival this year. As this is my final year at MGS, I will miss the event. I performed Philip Sparke’s Song for Ina on euphonium, a piece with long phrases that challenge breath control and endurance but allow significant expression. Working with Miss Dunham, our accompanist, has been a joy, and the feedback from the festival is invaluable. There is no substitute for performing in front of an audience—it is an essential part of growth as a musician.”

Director of Music, Robert Carey, said: "The MGS Music Festival has been a regular part of the school calendar since 2002. It is a day where pupils have an opportunity to perform on their chosen instrument or voice and have the opportunity to listen to others who also play the same instrument (or category of instruments). I am always delighted by the level of interest this generates, and this year was no exception with the entries in beginner, intermediate and advanced classes numbering over 150. Pupils receive valuable feedback on their performances from the adjudicators and the atmosphere within the classes is always mutually supportive and really encouraging. It takes considerable courage to put yourself out there and perform, whatever level of age or experience, and every year the music staff team learn so much about the amazing progress, commitment, and attitude of our pupils across the age range.

"First, second and highly commended awards are made on the day, but this is very much the tip of the iceberg in terms of the performances which took place in the classes, and it is equally heartening for us to witness the efforts, achievements, and journeys of all who participated. Participating in this event and receiving feedback certainly has motivational effect on encouraging our pupils to continue with their musical journeys and hopefully participate in further Co-curricular opportunities both in school and out. Musical performance is designed to be shared, and this event is a wonderful way to do this on a large scale in a short time."

The annual Music Festival at MGS continues to be a celebration of musical excellence, creativity, and student achievement, fostering both confidence and inspiration across all year groups.