Top councillor 'blown away' after witnessing Bay's talented youth
THE Bay's largest showcase of talented youngsters has inspired plans for an arts centre.
Cllr Kevin Carroll, who said he was 'blown away' by the talent on show, wants to look at ways of providing more for enthusiastic youngsters.
He judged the Performer of the Year competition on Tuesday night.
He said: "You could have shut your eyes and thought you were in the West End.
"I was astounded that we have got such talent in the Bay."
Cllr Carroll was so impressed that he immediately contacted Torbay Council chief executive, Elizabeth Raikes, and head of children's services, Carol Tozer.
"We need to find ways of harnessing this talent," he said.
"We have high teenage pregnancy and low self esteem in the Bay.
"I believe that singing, dancing and being on the stage is a fantastic way of building confidence and that has got to help young people."
Cllr Carroll said that there is no money available in council coffers, but that the authority could look at ways of attracting outside funding.
"We need to get round the table to see what and how this could be done," he said.
The Torbay Schools Festival of Performing Arts involves more than a thousand students and performers from schools and organisations.
The opening night featured a battle to win the coveted Festival Musician of the Year title.
The winners in each of the categories so far were:
Primary Section: Edward Hendry of Marldon Primary School , percussion.
Senior Section: Hannah Williams of Torquay Girls Grammar School, piano.
Most Promising: Anna Darby of Westlands School, French Horn.
Special Commendation certificate, Felix Nicholls, Sherwell Valley School, piano.
The Performer of the Year competition winners were:
Primary Section, Chloe Soby, Sherwell Valley School.
Junior Section, Lucy Pike, Westlands School.
Senior Section, Rachel Jones, South Devon College.
Most promising, Emily Kindon of St Cuthbert Mayne.
Last night the Riviera International Centre played host to a number of performances from schools for the first mixed festival night.
Performances continue this evening before showcases on Saturday.
2 Comments
by Muso Maestro, Torbay
Friday, March 26 2010, 9:57AM
“Shame someone always has to be negative. We gripe at councilors when they screw up (as we all do at times) yet when we get a positive news story there is always a "sour puss". Wether you agree with Mt Carrolls politics or not is irrelevant. If he is prepared to give time and energy to put something positive into our youngsters then at least give him credit when its due. The proof if he puts his money where his mouth is and i for one am always prepared to give people a chance to prove themselves. We spend too much time "downing" our kids. If we spent more money on positives like music, performing, sport etc then just perhaps there would be no reason for kids to go out and get drunk or pregnant and that might naturally reduce the amount we have to spend on these areas. The talent on Tuesday (i was there) was amazing and all credit to the people and parents who work with and support these kids. Without them society will be much the poorer.”
by A Talent, Torquay
Thursday, March 25 2010, 12:46PM
“I would like to see Councillor Carroll blown off the face of the earth at times...”