When did it start?

The choir conductor in 1986 was John Stone, a music and drama teacher in Flint High School, and it was his idea to instigate this event now in its 23rd  year. I t was developed out of a need to encourage young people with an interest in music to further their talents through the medium of competition.

How did it start?

John Stone was naturally interested in promoting music to young people and he persuaded the choir committee to organise the first competition.  At that time it was only open to young people attending Flint schools, but this was soon seen as too restrictive and it was made open in 1990. It has never looked back.

Development.

The first competition was hosted by Flint High School in their drama theatre and was won by a tiny pianist, Ben Saul, (you should see him now).  The entry fee was just £1.50, but the conditions and rules were basically the same as today.  Of course things have to change, they have to develop so as to keep up.  Standards are so much higher today than then and so professional adjudicators have to be brought in to ensure fairness and equality.

Over the years, different venues have been used, schools, churches, clubs, but as the competition increases in stature and audience so the venue must offer wider facilities.  It is now held at the Masonic Buildings in Flint who very kindly place their excellent premises at our disposal free of charge.

From the beginning the choir members have been actively involved and it is now standard practice for them to give a performance during the adjudication process.

The prizes and the rewards.

There are prizes for first second and third as well as trophies plus a cup for the “Most Promising Newcomer”, i.e. a first time competitor in this competition.  More importantly, we think, is as a showcase for young talent. Not only do the six finalists perform before the evening audience, but the winner appears with the choir at their Spring Festival Concert.  This is a prestigious event, with professional artistes and a large and appreciative audience.  The ideal stage to show off a budding talent.

The Rules

These are all contained within the entry form you can find here

We invite entries through music teachers, schools, bands, groups.  We look forward to hearing from you.