Young jazz guitarist plays Waterfront showcase

Editorial Department • Published 14 Jan 2010 09:24 0 Comments

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Stephen Brennan.

Local jazz guitarist Stephen Brennan, a Year 13 pupil at Erne Integrated College, Enniskillen, has been selected to take part in the annual CCEA music showcase, 'Score', where the top performers in last June's GCSE music play in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. The event takes place on 29th January at 8.00 pm. Indeed Stephen was placed in the elite handful of students in the province as he is one of the top six pupils who are been invited to take part in a CCEA promotional DVD for GCSE music.

Stephen is the son of Mr and Mrs John Brennan, both of whom teach in the College. In addition to studying A Level music, Stephen is also doing A level mathematics, history and chemistry. Stephen studies guitar with Mr John Beatty, the College's peripatetic guitar tutor and hopes to read Music at university.

David Baxter, Head of Music of Erne Integrated College, commented: "Stephen is an exceptionally gifted young jazz guitarist and it is no surprise that he has been chosen as a top performer. He effortlessly plays in any key, improvises with maturity much beyond his years and hears chord progressions that one would only expect from graduate musicians."

"In the short history of Erne Integrated College, Stephen is the fourth musician to be invited to play at the top performers' concert, a very high average by all accounts."

Stephen Brennan commented: "This is a great honour and I can't wait to play at the concert in the Waterfront! I'd like to thank Mr Baxter for all his encouragement and explaining the structure of jazz to me."

The annual concert is organised by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and is sponsored by Dawson's Music, the UK's leading supplier of musical instruments to schools. Featuring everything from jazz bands to uillean pipes and performances from schools all over Northern Ireland , the 'Score' Concert was spectacular.

Neil Anderson, Acting Chief Executive of CCEA, commented: "Over the last few years at Score we have seen a diverse range of talents and cultures brought to the stage by our young performers. Although our students have mostly been from Northern Ireland schools, some of their performances have been rooted in Scottish, African and even Chinese cultures."

"The Score concert is just a sample of the talent that exists in our schools. It provides an opportunity for young people to celebrate their gift with friends and family and gives them a taste of what it is like to play for a live audience."

"The young people that will perform have demonstrated the commitment, enthusiasm and discipline that will benefit them throughout their whole lives."

William Thompson, Education Manager of Dawson 's Music commented; "For a young musician, there is nothing better than to perform live on stage. We are delighted to contribute to the success of the arts in Northern Ireland through Score and to be associated with the development of young performers."

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 14 Jan 10

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