Playing for prize (From Penarth Times)

Playing for prize

TWO PENARTH students are competing for the Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2003 title, and a first prize of £1,000.

Mali Lewis, 16, of Victoria Road, will be entering playing two instruments, the harp and piano.

She will be joined by Erin Sawicka, 17, of Redlands Road, who will also be playing the piano.

Both girls will take part in the preliminary round at the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff on November 10.

The round will involve them playing a number of pieces in a set period of time. Musical Mali, is studying for her AS levels at Coleg Glan Hafren, and she has entered this competition previously and won it twice.

She has been playing the harp for six years, and the piano for seven years. She wants a career in music, and intends carrying on her studies at music college or university.

Mali said: "I wanted piano lessons, and I enjoyed them", but she added: "I always get nervous before any competitions."

She was nine years old when she began her piano lessons, and she has reached Grade Eight. Mali has also obtained Grade Four on the harp.

She enters the Urdd National Eisteddfod on an annual basis.

This year, the event was held in Cardiff during May, and Mali won the piano category, as well as securing second prize for her harp playing.

Piano player, Erin, is studying for her A levels at Stanwell School. She intends to pursue a music degree at university next year.

Erin has been playing the piano since the age of six, and has done Grade Eight, and obtained her Performance Certificate.

She is due to sit her Diploma this Christmas.

In total, 104 pupils from 68 schools will be competing in one of four preliminary rounds, taking place across Wales.

Judges will choose the most talented to go through to the regional finals in December, and five finalists will go on to play at the grand final in Cardiff next March.