Manchester Grammar pupil hits high notes

James Fitzsimons
James Fitzsimons

A talented musician from The Manchester Grammar School hit all the right notes at the Hazel Grove Musical Festival by winning four categories.

James Fitzsimons, 11, triumphed in four different events at the festival, winning first places in the classical guitar solo under-11s section, the classical guitar solo grades one and two category, brass instrument solo (French horn) under-14s section and the piano solo test piece Under-12s section.

Not content with four first prizes, he also finished third in the solo singing section for 11 and 12-year-olds.

The festival was held in Hazel Grove and is an annual competition for children and adults.

All-rounder James said: “I have played the piano for about five-and-a-half years, the guitar for about two-and-a-half years, the French Horn for nine months and I have played the organ since September.

“I also sing, having had lessons for about a year-and-a-half. I was really pleased to win so many categories at the festival. I really love music.”

James, from Oldham, is no stranger to musical success, having also won a host of awards at the Hadyn Wood Musical Festival in Linthwaite last November, including the Frank Armitage Memorial Cup for winning the youngest brass class and the Milnes Trophy for the highest marks in the guitar section.

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