TAVISTOCK?S Mount House School is celebrating, after a strong presence at the Saltash Festival this year was well rewarded with a total of 26 trophies, twice as many as the school won in its first appearance at Saltash in 2005. Mount House pupils gave a total of 113 individual instrumental and vocal performances, and two choirs and school orchestra also took part. More than 80 of their performances were commended, which means that they were assessed as ?convincing both technically and artistically?. And 27 performances were awarded distinction marks. Gill Waters, director of music at Mount House said: ?Participating in a public festival like Saltash is a very valuable experience for the children. It helps to develop their musical talents, self-confidence and competitive spirit. To come back to the school with so many trophies is a fine reward for all the hard work they put into the preparation.? In its first appearance at Saltash, the school orchestra was praised by the adjudicator of the instrumental section, Richard Deering, who described their performance as ?very enjoyable in all respects?. Their mark of 88 was the highest awarded to any school ensemble participating in this year?s festival. The vocal adjudicator, David Bruce-Payne, said the Mount House concert choir showed ?a real sense of commitment?, with the songs ?well sung, well prepared, well performed and very much enjoyed.? The pre-prep choir, consisting of boys and girls aged from four to six years old, also performed very well in their debut performance at Saltash.
