Student band and soloist crowned at music concert

Talented musicians from Solihull Sixth Form College put on a show when the Heartfield Wharam and Best Bands Concert took place.

The concert was staged in two parts with solo musicians performing for a scholarship fund and then student bands playing to be crowned Best Band.

Kiyan Chear won the solo accolade for his performance of ‘Die to Live’ by Steve Vai on electric guitar.

Rayhan Ishtiaq’s vocal performance of Sam Smith’s hit ‘Not the Only One’ earned him the runners-up spot.

Meanwhile, Malleus (pictured) were judged the best band for their performance of ‘Unholy Confessions’ by Avenged Sevenfold.

The band was made up of students Joe Grimley (vocals and electric guitar), David Rudcov (electric guitar), Florence Douglas (bass) and Asher Burley (drums).

The performances were judged by experts, with Dr Simon Hall from the Birmingham Royal Conservatoire and Andrew Miller from Brum Radio in attendance.

They enjoyed 10 solo recitals and four band performances. Some students were A level Music learners, while others take part in musical activities at college as an enrichment activity.

 Creative Arts Curriculum leader Zoe Maksymiw said: “Well done to all the young people who performed.

“It is a nerve-wracking thing to stand up in front of a live audience and perform, but they did so well and everyone who attended the concert was thoroughly entertained.”