It was a crescendo finish for Fifth Former Daniel Hutchins, who this week found out that he is the winner of a national composition competition organised by the acclaimed composer Mike Sheppard.

Daniel, whose first instrument is the cornet, which he plays to Grade 8 level, wrote a bold piece for brass, called ‘Into the Unknown’, inspired by the uncertain times we are all living through. Daniel explained, “I tried to capture an optimistic spirit, whilst recognising the uncertain future we all faced during lockdown.”

Excitingly, his winning piece will be performed by the GUS Band – one of the leading brass bands in the UK, who happen to be based in Northamptonshire. While a date is yet to be set (due to COVID restrictions), the band have said they will perform the piece as soon as they resume rehearsals.

Daniel took part in the online competition during lockdown and wrote his winning piece over the course of eight weeks. Entries were judged by a panel including the well-known brass band composer Peter Graham, together with international brass soloists Steven Mead and David Childs.

Director of Music, Joss Sanders, commented, “I’m extremely pleased for Daniel, who has taken the initiative and entered this competition entirely off his own bat. He has used his experience as a brass player to write a delightful piece for a brass band, and I look forward to hearing it performed by the GUS Band in due course”.

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