Despite the impositions imposed by the current Coronavirus pandemic, a number of bands have taken an innovative approach to encouraging players to keep their lips in trim and the competitive juices flowing through their veins.

148 entrants

That has certainly been the case with Wantage Band, who recently held their 'Virtual Youth Solo Competition' — although those taking part were very much real, with no less than 148 entrants from 14 countries taking part!

Such was the response that there were no fewer than 64 brilliant youngsters (some as young as 5) in the 11 Years and Under class, with all participants being given adjudications and sent certificates for taking part.

Over the moon

Contest organiser Sam Wyne told 4BR: "We are over the moon at the response. It just shows the power of social media and the importance of embracing this change in unprecedented times such as these.

We set out to provide a motivating platform for young people to perform to a large virtual audience and this has certainly done that!

A huge congratulations go to all the performers, especially those in the Under 11 class who were simply brilliant and our thanks also to Jonathan and Russell for being such supportive and encouraging adjudicators."

We set out to provide a motivating platform for young people to perform to a large virtual audience and this has certainly done that!Sam Wyne

Results:
11 Years and Under:

Adjudicator: Jonathan Bates

1. Michael MacDonald
2. Annie Stuart
3. Nayan Shah
4. Lucie Hall
5. Marguerite Troup
6. Isabelle Owen

12 to 15 Years old:

Adjudicator: Russell Gray

1. Lewis Barton
2. Amelie Bentham
3. James Hindson
4. Harry Porthouse
5. Christopher Oddy
6. Lucy Heeley

16 to 19 Years old:

Adjudicator: Russell Gray

1. Sasha Canter
2. Will Leslie
3. Daniel Sharpe
4. Emma Close
5. Rose Hancock
6. Abi Ornadel