Eighth annual Dromore concert another success

LCM Examiner Sheila Hemming LLCM ARCM HonLCM presented the Sonya Russell Cup for Musical Achievement to Alex Lyle. Included is LCM Local Representative Sonya Russell ALCM,HonLCM. Edward Byrne Photography INBL1516-212EB
LCM Examiner Sheila Hemming LLCM ARCM HonLCM presented the Sonya Russell Cup for Musical Achievement to Alex Lyle, included is LCM Local Representative Sonya Russell ALCM,HonLCM © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1516-212EBLCM Examiner Sheila Hemming LLCM ARCM HonLCM presented the Sonya Russell Cup for Musical Achievement to Alex Lyle, included is LCM Local Representative Sonya Russell ALCM,HonLCM © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1516-212EB
LCM Examiner Sheila Hemming LLCM ARCM HonLCM presented the Sonya Russell Cup for Musical Achievement to Alex Lyle, included is LCM Local Representative Sonya Russell ALCM,HonLCM © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1516-212EB

The Dromore High School venue was packed with family, friends and local music teachers for the concert, arranged by local LCM representative and former Dromore resident Mrs Sonya Russell, in aid this year of Israeli Holocaust memorial group Yad Vashem.

Young people who had sat LCM exams the previous year delivered more than 30 performances as part of a varied programme.

Speech and drama featured alongside piano solos, music from children’s favourites, movie music from the likes of Les Miserables, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Phantom of the Opera, musical theatre and guitar trios.

The evening concluded, as always, with the presentation of awards, with this year’s special guest, LCM examiner Mrs Sheila Henning, doing the honours.

On behalf of the College, Mrs Hemming thanked all who took part for an enjoyable evening, paying tribute to Mrs Russell

for her hard work in organizing anevent highlighting the LCM’s work both locally and globally.

Awards went to Charis Walker and Ellie Shepherd, pupils of Mrs Patricia Hamilton, for achieving 100% in their written theory exams.

The Shield of Excellence, sponsored by Lisburn’s Music Galleria for those who receive the highest marks in the previous academic year, was shared by Naomi Hillis (Step 2), a pupil of Mrs Lynda Parton; Lisa Cerro (Pre-Prep), a pupil of Mrs Sylvia McCullough and Emma Henderson (Grade 1) a pupil of Mrs Lauren Liddle.

Mrs Russell, meanwhile, presented her own Sonya Russell Cup of Achievement to Alex Lyle, who at the age of 12 was diagnosed with a tumour.

“After undergoing treatment,” said Mrs Russell, “she has fought her illness with great determination and is currently in remission.

“Throughout the past four years Alex has found the piano to be a source of comfort, release and therapy to help her get through difficult times.”

Alex, a pupil of Mrs Jane Knowles, was truly deserving of the award, said Mrs Russell, and an inspiration to all.

Hailing the evening a great success, Mrs Russell thanked everyone who contributed or who was in any way involved.

The concert raised £500 to support the work of “Yad Vashem in Israel.

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