‘Awesome’ night for Samuel as he becomes first guitarist to be crowned Young Musician of the Year

  • Teenager becomes first guitarist to be named PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year.
  • Watch a video of him performing below
  • Final held at a packed Opera House on Saturday evening.
  • Six finalists battled it out for the title.

SAMUEL Walwyn was named PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year at the weekend and became the first guitarist to win the prestigious title.

Announcing the 17-year-old Hautlieu student as the winner, the chairman of the judging panel, Jan Loeffler, held up an empty piece of paper, with just a performer’s name at the top.

That person’s performance, he said, had been so remarkable that he hadn’t even put pen to paper to make notes.

Explaining how the judges had come to their decision, he said that the title was going to someone who captivated them the most and showed what it meant to be a young musician, not just a young instrumentalist.

The final was held at the Opera House on Saturday evening in front of family, friends, music teachers and head teachers, as well as the Bailiff William Bailhache and Chief Minister Ian Gorst.

Samuel, dressed in a blue suit and brown canvas shoes, performed two of his own compositions, Forever May You Run and Crossfire, and the third was a medley of classics arranged by him.

Appearing relaxed on stage, he explained how he loved using the guitar in different ways.

‘Awesome!’ he said after the first piece.

On Sunday, Samuel said that he was absolutely stunned to win.

‘It’s still sinking in, the whole idea of winning,’ he said. ‘To be the first guitarist to win, and being able to play my own stuff in such an established competition, is amazing.

Rachel Hayden receiving her prize at Saturday's final

‘I am very thankful to the judges and I feel honoured.’

He said that he was happy with his performance – playing his own pieces ‘just felt natural and fun’.

He said that he had been most nervous about his classical arrangement (which included Zeppelin as well as Bach) but felt it went well and he was happy with it.

The Jersey Symphony Orchestra award went to vocalist Rachel Hayden (17). On behalf of the JSO, Rod McLoughlin explained that the award went to the person who he considered would most benefit from working with the orchestra over the next 12 months.

Rachel, who goes to Jersey College for Girls, sang three arias (Purcell, Schumann and Mozart) and an unaccompanied piece called The Singer.

The other finalists were Nicole Taylor (percussion), Todd Buesnel (trumpet), Katharine Beirne (flute) and Bryony O’Hare (piano).

While the judges made their decision, Robbie Harvey, who won the Young Musician accolade in 2003, performed a selection of jazz standards and his own original compositions with his trio – he is now a professional trombone player based in London.

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ACOUSTIC guitarist Samuel Walwyn (17) is a student at Hautlieu and lives in St Ouen. He is currently preparing for Grade 8 and started to learn the guitar five years ago.

Why did you start playing?

Since I was young, I have always connected with the image and the sound of the guitar. I remember following my dad into a guitar store in the US where he bought his first Strat. Many years later, he taught me Smoke on the Water on that same guitar on one string and I was hooked.

What do you get out of music?

A room full of guitars, sheets of music scattered around the house, an empty wallet, a running tab at East Coast Guitars and, of course, the satisfaction of being able to create music.

What goes through your head when you play in front of people?

Even if the audience is one person or many, there is the thrill of affecting others by playing.

Do you have any tips or tricks to stop you getting nervous on stage?

I make sure that I warm up before and at the venue. I know my set and I need to be well rehearsed.

What’s your favourite music group?

I’m currently listening to Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, John Butler Trio and Tool.

Do you have a musical guilty pleasure?

Jamming with my best mate at loud volume for hours on end.

Do you hope to make a career out of music?

Yes, because it’s what I find most fulfilling. I would be happy to wake up every day knowing that I can spend the day involved in music.

Do you have any advice for other young musicians who want to get into the final next year?

Practise, practise, practise. Set yourself manageable goals. Play with passion.

Samuel competing in the Jersey Eisteddfod in 2014

[figure caption=”17-year-old vocalist Rachel Hayden won the Jersey Symphony Orchestra award” title=”7747328″ align=”none” url=”/?attachment_id=1207827″ id=”1207827″ size=”100″]

VOCALIST Rachel Hayden (17) is a student at Jersey College for Girls and lives in Trinity. She has been taking singing lessons since the age of six and has attained Grade 8 with distinction.

Why did you start playing?

My mum took me to singing lessons when I was six as apparently I couldn’t stop singing around the house. I have been a pupil of Imogen Nicholls, who’s an inspirational teacher, ever since.

What do you get out of music?

As well as singing, I also play the flute and piano and not only enjoy performing as a soloist but as part of a choir or orchestra. Through music I have made many friends and travelled to some great places. There is also a great sense of achievement getting a new piece up to a performing standard.

What goes through your head when you play in front of people?

It’s not only about trying to remember the words and singing the right notes but also about ensuring you communicate the meaning of the piece to the audience and enjoy it.

Do you have any tips or tricks to stop you getting nervous on stage?

Although I have been singing for quite a while I still get nervous walking onto the stage. However, as soon as I hear the piano introduction and start to sing, the nerves seem to fade away and I just enjoy the piece I’m singing.

What’s your favourite music group?

I enjoy listening to lots of different types of music but my favourite would be live opera buffa or acapella groups like the Pentatonix.

Do you have a musical guilty pleasure?

I can’t think of anything musically that I feel guilty about.

Do you hope to make a career out of music?

Due to my passion for both music and engineering, I would love to become the first opera-singing civil engineer!

Do you have any advice for other young musicians who want to get into the final next year?

Pick pieces you enjoy playing or singing, try your best to practise hard and get them to a performing standard and just have a go. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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