By Isle of Wight Observer
Hallam Saunders, 14, has composed the original work, “To the Sea” which will be performed by Medina Marching band at this year’s Ryde carnivals.
Earlier in the year, Ryde Arts had identified Hallam as a young music scholar at the Island Free School with an interest in composing music as well as learning to play the clarinet, piano, guitar, bassoon and church organ. He also sang in a local church choir.
Hallam was approached to compose an original piece of music for a marching band to perform.
Hallam said: “The project has been a very exciting one, and I look forward to hearing my march performed at Ryde Carnival this year. Medina are currently rehearsing the piece, and were a really welcoming band throughout the process, giving lots of brilliant ideas and feedback. They were a joy to work with.
“I am really grateful to Ryde Arts for this amazing opportunity.”
Carol Jaye, Chair of Ryde Arts, said: ” Ryde Arts now offers its Award for Promising Young Talent to Hallam Saunders, who has composed his first piece for a marching band, To the Sea. It gives us great pleasure that this is our first commission to a young Island student at the start of an exciting career.”
Simon Wyatt, Chair of Ryde Carnival Association, said: “We have worked closely with Ryde Arts for many years and are really excited to have this piece of music composed by Hallam specifically for our Carnival. We are very much looking forward to hearing it performed by Medina Marching Band who are a firm favourite of the crowds.”
