0:00:02 > 0:00:04Last week, BBC Young Musician 2014 began
0:00:04 > 0:00:06with a high-quality strings category final...
0:00:14 > 0:00:18..but deciding on a winner gave the judges a bit of a headache.
0:00:18 > 0:00:19- Oh, it's hard, isn't it?!- Oh, boy.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21It's going to be a long night.
0:00:21 > 0:00:22It's really, really difficult,
0:00:22 > 0:00:26because the level of playing today has been really fantastic.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28It really was incredibly tough.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30All five, we would love to hear again.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36In the end, it was 19-year-old William Dutton's electrifying
0:00:36 > 0:00:38performance that won the day.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41APPLAUSE
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Tonight, it's the percussion final,
0:00:45 > 0:00:48from vibraphones and marimbas
0:00:48 > 0:00:51to drums, bells, gongs and timpani.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54These five fabulously young and gifted players
0:00:54 > 0:00:57have an army of instruments at their disposal.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Whose performance will convince the jury
0:00:59 > 0:01:01to put them through to the semifinal?
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Welcome to the percussion final of BBC Young Musician 2014.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It is 20 years since the percussion category
0:01:32 > 0:01:38was first included in the BBC Young Musician in 1994.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40In the year I competed, just four years later,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43my good friend Adrian Spillett became the first
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and, to date, only percussionist to win the overall title.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50APPLAUSE
0:01:50 > 0:01:53And tonight, five more young players
0:01:53 > 0:01:55are hoping to follow in his footsteps.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03The last two years have been a rollercoaster ride.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07It was the biggest musical experience of my life.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Nicola Benedetti. APPLAUSE
0:02:09 > 0:02:13The BBC Young Musician's the most important competition in the UK.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14These competitions are for people
0:02:14 > 0:02:16who want to be the best at their instrument.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19It just lifts your playing to a different level.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21It gives them a sense of what it is
0:02:21 > 0:02:25to be a professional percussion soloist.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27I'm extremely grateful to the competition
0:02:27 > 0:02:30for making my dreams a reality.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33This is really, really quite something.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36If you can cope with it, then you can cope with anything.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38It will be an unforgettable experience for them,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41which will make them love music even more.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44It's been the most amazing start to what
0:02:44 > 0:02:46I hope will be a long career in music.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53BBC Young Musician demands its contestants perform
0:02:53 > 0:02:55to the highest standard.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Just to enter, you have to be Grade 8 or above.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02In just a moment, we will meet our competitors, but first,
0:03:02 > 0:03:07let's have a look how they got this far and how the competition works.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Nearly 500 entered this year's competition,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18with 25 musicians chosen through a tough selection process.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Those 25 are divided into five categories.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27Strings...
0:03:27 > 0:03:28percussion...
0:03:28 > 0:03:29woodwind...
0:03:29 > 0:03:31keyboard
0:03:31 > 0:03:32and brass.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36One winner from each category will progress to the semifinals
0:03:36 > 0:03:40to compete for just three places in the BBC Young Musician grand final.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45The three finalists will perform a concerto
0:03:45 > 0:03:48at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on May the 18th
0:03:48 > 0:03:50with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
0:03:50 > 0:03:53under the baton of Kirill Karabits.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Only one can be named BBC Young Musician 2014.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Now, as a trumpet player, I'm used to simply turning up to a venue,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07taking the instrument from its case, and playing.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09But, for our percussionists,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12every performance is a major logistical operation,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15so while we wait for their instruments to be put into position,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17let's meet our five finalists.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Elliot Gaston-Ross, from Lancashire.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29At 15 years old, our youngest percussion finalist.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35A few years ago, I never thought, ever, that I would be good enough.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39This year I thought, "I'll give it a crack, and I'll go for it."
0:04:39 > 0:04:41I feel really privileged to be a part of the occasion.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I'm just really, really excited, and just want to get out there
0:04:44 > 0:04:45and perform now.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Aged 18 and from Ipswich,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51it's Matthew Farthing.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56It's been at least 30 years, you know?
0:04:56 > 0:04:59It's really a great tradition to be a part of.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Really looking forward to performing the pieces which I've worked on.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Really exciting to perform them for the first time in public.
0:05:07 > 0:05:1117-year-old Tom Highnam from Dorset.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15It's something you watch growing up, and you see all the musicians,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19and then you see them after the competition, and they do so well.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21They're respected among all the musicians.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24I wanted to give it a go, see what happened, really.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Jess Wood from Lancaster, aged 16.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33It's a real dream of mine to get to this stage, definitely.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36It's a great achievement that I've wanted for a long time.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Having the audience there, it's just thrilling.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42The adrenaline running round makes you perform more, I think, yeah.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43Definitely.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47And finally, from Kent, the eldest of tonight's competitors,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Stefan Beckett.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52Making it through to the semifinal
0:05:52 > 0:05:56would just be an amazing opportunity, I guess.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Of course, then making it to the final to play a concerto
0:05:59 > 0:06:02would be awesome, really, really amazing experience.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Well, preparations are over for our five finalists,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10who are now backstage at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama,
0:06:10 > 0:06:11waiting to perform.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16They know, to win this category and make it through to the semifinal,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19they're going to have to dig deep to impress the judges.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24On the panel tonight...
0:06:27 > 0:06:28percussionist Simone Rebello...
0:06:30 > 0:06:33I will be looking very much for the performance element,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36how they use the palette of sounds, basically,
0:06:36 > 0:06:40to put themselves across in their programme the best way that they can.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43..Owen Gunnell, who was a Young Musician finalist back in 2000,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46and knows exactly what it feels like to face a jury...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53I've never been so nervous in my life, up to that point.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58My knees were shaking, I think my whole body was shaking -
0:06:58 > 0:06:59I was so nervous.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03Hopefully, the competitors tonight won't let the nerves take over,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07and they'll just enjoy it for what it is, which is just performing.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11..general Adjudicator Meurig Bowen,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15director of the Cheltenham Music Festival...
0:07:15 > 0:07:17I think I'm going to be looking for somebody who's really
0:07:17 > 0:07:20compelling on stage, somebody who's got charisma,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23and somebody who's prepared to take some risks.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33So, it's time. The stage is now ready, and it's a full house.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36This category is like no other in the competition.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39The repertoire is mainly contemporary,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41so expect the unexpected.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Anything from digital backing tracks to Japanese and snare solos.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51First up is Elliott Gaston-Ross from Lancashire.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54He's only 15 years old, and our youngest competitor.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Elliot Gaston-Ross lives with his mum and dad
0:08:03 > 0:08:06in a small town near Preston.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10My mum and dad first bought me a drum kit when I was seven years old.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Well, the drum kit came about, really,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16because he used to drive us a bit nuts.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20He used to tap and bang and knock everything.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23They were getting a bit fed up, so they bought me a drum kit,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26and then they said, "Tap on that," basically.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29And so then I got a local drum teacher,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32and I just really enjoyed it.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35At school, Elliott gets involved
0:08:35 > 0:08:38with as many musical activities as possible.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42I play in the school swing band, which is fun.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45It's a little bit jazzy, and jazz piano.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48THEY PLAY SWING MUSIC
0:08:48 > 0:08:53My piano lessons, I only really study classical music,
0:08:53 > 0:08:58so it's good to get wider variety of styles of music to play on the piano.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00It gives me a lot of opportunities, as well,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04to play different styles and maybe a little bit of improvising.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10After school, Elliott goes straight to practising at home
0:09:10 > 0:09:12on his various percussion instruments
0:09:12 > 0:09:13squeezed into the lounge.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Practising for four hours a day,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19it's the feeling after you've done it, and during doing it...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Whilst you're practising, it's just brilliant.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24You can feel yourself improving.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I don't understand how he doesn't go to bed
0:09:27 > 0:09:31with the music in his head going over and over again, because I do.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35I have the music as a background to my dreams,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37because I hear it so often.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40And yet Elliott seems to be completely oblivious,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43he sleeps perfectly soundly, gets up in the morning
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and is ready to do it all over again.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49My dad does sometimes mention,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52you know, "You have practised quite a lot today,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54"are you sure you don't want to do any more?"
0:09:59 > 0:10:03So, to get Elliott away from the marimba, vibraphone and drums,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06keen climber Dad takes him down to the local leisure centre.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10'The problem with music is that it can be very consuming for kids,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13'especially if they're at the top of their game,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'and you have to battle with them to get them
0:10:16 > 0:10:20'to do things that are not music, so take them out to play tennis,'
0:10:20 > 0:10:22running, or here at the climbing wall,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24it's important that he keeps a balance.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Well, I feel quite comfortable when I perform
0:10:28 > 0:10:31whereas when you're high up on a mountain,
0:10:31 > 0:10:35not in a very good hold, your legs just shake
0:10:35 > 0:10:38and that's a different sort of scariness, it's like,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41"Oh, no, I think I'm going to slip and hurt myself."
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Playing percussion requires many different skillsets
0:10:50 > 0:10:52and every weekend, Elliott is able to hone them
0:10:52 > 0:10:56further at Manchester's Junior Royal Northern College of Music.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00When I first met Elliott, I was immediately struck
0:11:00 > 0:11:03by his natural talent, his enthusiasm,
0:11:03 > 0:11:05and he's just a really nice, all-round guy.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08He's got a great sense of humour, he's never been arrogant,
0:11:08 > 0:11:10'he's just quite confident in what he does,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13'but he laps up all the instructions that are given to him and it's just
0:11:13 > 0:11:17'been a natural progression from week to week that he's gone from strength to strength.'
0:11:17 > 0:11:18OK, nice.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Now, something I would suggest you do here is,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23you actually play that louder for that mezzo forte.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26It's wonderful to see that he actually achieves success
0:11:26 > 0:11:29in the way that he's doing for the BBC Young Musician competition.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34'It's really good because I get taught class tuition with my piano
0:11:34 > 0:11:35'and percussion studies.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38'There's also theory lessons, musicianship, composition,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41'conducting, ensembles.'
0:11:42 > 0:11:46So, it covers a lot of aspects of music.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53It was only seven months ago when my teacher asked me,
0:11:53 > 0:11:54"Would you like to go in for it?"
0:11:54 > 0:11:58I never thought I was really good enough, but I did it anyway
0:11:58 > 0:12:02and it really has done wonders for my playing.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06I've improved massively because of the competition.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12So, here is Elliott Gaston-Ross.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15His first piece, Dave Maric's Trilogy.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18APPLAUSE
0:12:18 > 0:12:21The first movement of Trilogy, I'll be using a backing track
0:12:21 > 0:12:24and I think it'll be really exciting
0:12:24 > 0:12:28because it's definitely the biggest set-up I've ever played on.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40There's just so many instruments and it's crazy, basically.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43You can really just run around and, hopefully,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46I can make it a really energetic performance.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33APPLAUSE
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Next, it's a piece called Land,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40written by the Japanese composer Takatsugu Muramatsu.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45I thought I'd have a contrast after that and I've chosen Land.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53'I chose it because it's very peaceful.'
0:18:50 > 0:18:54APPLAUSE
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Elliott's going to end his programme
0:18:56 > 0:19:00with a piece by the world-renowned marimba player, Keiko Abe.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04I wanted something really fast, something that I could really, really
0:19:04 > 0:19:07show off on to end the programme,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11so I thought Prism would be a great piece.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21APPLAUSE
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Elliott's opening this competition in an electric fashion.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Well, Elliott, there were so many highlights for us.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- Tell us how you felt.- I thought, on the whole, I played all right.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41There were a few slip-ups in a couple of the pieces
0:21:41 > 0:21:44but I tried to put in a good performance.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46I really enjoyed Elliott's programme.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47It was beautifully structured.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51We really heard, in his pieces, the full range of his capabilities.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55I learnt a lot about him as a musician and, it sounds deep,
0:21:55 > 0:21:56as a person.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58He really wants you to enjoy the performance
0:21:58 > 0:22:01as much as he's enjoying the performance.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Nerve-racking, terrifying, absolutely fantastic
0:22:05 > 0:22:08and I've never been more proud in the whole of my life.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Next is the 18-year-old Matthew Farthing from Ipswich.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29Matthew Farthing is one of four children who live at home
0:22:29 > 0:22:31with Mum and Dad near Ipswich.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34The brothers and sisters all play instruments and
0:22:34 > 0:22:39so it was only natural they formed a family band called The Farthings.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42# See the light falling
0:22:42 > 0:22:46# Through the trees above me... #
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Playing with a family band is something else.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53We have a connection that I feel is second to none, really.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57We've been to America a couple of times and we've experienced
0:22:57 > 0:23:00that music in the place it was formed and that was really inspiring.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Matt's very focused when it comes to performing.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09If he's got something coming up, he works so hard all the time
0:23:09 > 0:23:11because he loves it.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14It's very noisy when everybody comes back from school,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16that's when it comes to life.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21Matthew goes straight in to practise marimba and Peter's on piano.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24It's awesome. It's crazy, but it's awesome.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26I started piano lessons with my sister
0:23:26 > 0:23:30when I was around about age six and from there, my interests
0:23:30 > 0:23:34developed into a drum kit and all sorts of different genres of music.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40It's the dynamics of the percussion I really enjoy.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45I feel, standing up as well, more free to move.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49The movement is one of the most key things about percussion.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51You can really make a performance out of it.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I love gongs, I love all sorts of instruments.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56It's the variety that really spurs me on.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59There's always different sounds, play around,
0:23:59 > 0:24:00experiment with different sounds
0:24:00 > 0:24:03and that's what, really, makes me enjoy percussion.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07In the week, Matt studies for his A-Levels at his local school
0:24:07 > 0:24:08but every Saturday,
0:24:08 > 0:24:13he travels to London to attend the Junior Royal College of Music.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15I've been going down to the Royal College of Music
0:24:15 > 0:24:16for the last two years.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18It's been a great inspiration for me to see
0:24:18 > 0:24:22lots of other really accomplished musicians in an orchestral setting.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27One of those accomplished musicians is 2012's Young Musician winner
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Laura van der Heijden.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35The standard of the symphony orchestra at college,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37it really astounds me. It's really professional,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40the way that we handle every aspect of the playing.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42In the rehearsals, we're always on the ball
0:24:42 > 0:24:45and the performances are top quality.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50As well as playing in the Junior Royal College symphony orchestra,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Matt also has lessons
0:24:52 > 0:24:57with one of the UK's leading percussionists, Cameron Sinclair.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00What makes Matthew stand out as a musician for me
0:25:00 > 0:25:03is his ability to think through a piece.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Rather than just taking a piece of music,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08he will actually look at it quite forensically
0:25:08 > 0:25:11and think about the colour and sounds that he's going to create
0:25:11 > 0:25:13and then create the drama around that.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19You are surrounded with lots and lots of other people who are
0:25:19 > 0:25:24really, really good and everybody here is incredibly dedicated.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29So, it's a wonderful community of musicians.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Matt's proficiency as a percussionist has led him
0:25:37 > 0:25:41to an important role amongst another community of young musicians.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47This year, I'm principal percussionist with
0:25:47 > 0:25:50the National Youth Orchestra. This is my fourth year now.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53This year, the extra responsibility of that is quite fun.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56It really gives you an opportunity to express who you are.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06While music takes up most of Matt's time,
0:26:06 > 0:26:10he does get the opportunity to relax on the driving range.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Excellent.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- Brilliant.- Golf is one of my main interests outside of music.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17I started when I was about eight years old.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- Now, if you swing through... - 'In golf, you can be really focused.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23'It's a mental game as well as a physical game,
0:26:23 > 0:26:24'just like music, really.'
0:26:25 > 0:26:31My whole life, I'm thinking of music. It's taking up my head all the time.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35It's just a matter of controlling the concentration,
0:26:35 > 0:26:40but music is always there, it's a part of me and a part of myself.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45APPLAUSE
0:26:46 > 0:26:48As a musician,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51I really want to communicate my openness to the percussion world
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and I think with percussion, you're exploring different sound worlds
0:26:55 > 0:26:58and I think I'm trying to convey that to the audience, really.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04'I've chosen a varied programme, the first half being a tuned
0:27:04 > 0:27:08'percussion piece and with the piano as well, it's a great combination.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10'I find it's a force to be reckoned with.'
0:30:41 > 0:30:45APPLAUSE
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Matthew's final piece
0:30:49 > 0:30:52is a multi-percussion composition by Philip Cashian.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56The second piece will be a taiko drum on my left
0:30:56 > 0:31:02and a big orchestral bass drum on a little cradle and a pedal bass drum
0:31:02 > 0:31:06and I explore different combinations of sound with these three drums.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38APPLAUSE
0:35:40 > 0:35:42A very mature performance there from Matthew Farthing,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46with what I thought was a rather bold choice of repertoire.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55Matt, fantastic - you looked like you were really enjoying yourself right from the start.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57- Tell us all about it. - Thank you, Alison.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58I had a ball out there.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00I completely focused on my performance,
0:36:00 > 0:36:02did the best I absolutely could.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Such great atmosphere, great stage, full house - felt great.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09I thought he worked with his pianist incredibly well
0:36:09 > 0:36:10in the Psathas piece.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Two very challenging pieces, for him and the audience,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16and possibly, that may be a misjudgement.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18He was very measured.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20I felt like I just wanted to find out a little bit more.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24It was just amazing - it all came together very well.
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Very proud of him.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29Wonderful, really - wonderful to have reached that point where,
0:36:29 > 0:36:31with all that hard work and dedication,
0:36:31 > 0:36:32you reach that goal.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38We've now heard from two of our percussion finalists.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Still to come, Stefan Beckett from Kent,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45and our only female competitor this evening, 16-year-old Jess Wood.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48But next to perform, it's Tom Highnam.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57LIVELY RHYTHM PLAYS
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Tom is the only competitor in this final
0:37:12 > 0:37:15who studies at one of the UK's specialist music schools.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19He's been attending Wells Cathedral School since he was 12 years old.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23We're very lucky, because we have everything all in one place.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24We've got people who play in orchestras,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28we've got famous musicians and things, all teaching us.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Because we're a small department,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33we can have close relationships with the teachers,
0:37:33 > 0:37:34where we understand each other,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38and they're really helpful in choosing the pieces,
0:37:38 > 0:37:39helping choose the programme.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Although his mum is a piano teacher,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45it was percussion that grabbed Tom's attention at an early age.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49While I was at primary school, I wanted to start drum kit -
0:37:49 > 0:37:51because I played drum kit, there was a concert which happened
0:37:51 > 0:37:54where these two percussionists came, called The Drum Blondes,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56they came and gave us a concert at the school.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58And he didn't move - he just did not move.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00They were playing marimbas,
0:38:00 > 0:38:02lots of percussion instruments, and I just thought,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05"Hm - this looks like something he's interested in."
0:38:05 > 0:38:08And then we made some contacts with the teacher,
0:38:08 > 0:38:09a lady called Jan Faulkner,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12who then started Tom off on the percussion path
0:38:12 > 0:38:15and it was really quite instant then,
0:38:15 > 0:38:17that it was the instrument and the discipline for him.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22I think I was just drawn to the diversity of percussion, I think -
0:38:22 > 0:38:26the options, what you could play, what you can do on each instrument.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Tom is a terrific young man.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34He's...he's very engaging as a student.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36He's a very popular young man at school.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39I think one of the reasons so many students learn percussion at Wells
0:38:39 > 0:38:42is because there are students like Tom.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46He has a way of bringing students into the department
0:38:46 > 0:38:49and he loves to play.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51As well as classical percussion lessons,
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Tom has formed a rather unusual ensemble with his schoolmates.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57THEY PLAY AN UP-TEMPO BEAT
0:39:00 > 0:39:04I think he combines working really hard with having a good time,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06and that really comes across in his music,
0:39:06 > 0:39:07where you can tell he's enjoying it.
0:39:07 > 0:39:08Go.
0:39:12 > 0:39:13He actually gives a performance -
0:39:13 > 0:39:16you get other people who just learn the music and play what they see.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17Tom makes it his own.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23The ensemble has given Tom the opportunity
0:39:23 > 0:39:27to broaden his musical experiences outside of the school.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29We're at the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education
0:39:29 > 0:39:33and we're here to do a few workshops with the kids here,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36cos we're going on tour to Budapest at the end of the year.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39We'll be working with a deaf charity out there,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41so to prepare us for that, we've come here.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46I think with deaf children, rather than violin or something,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49I think percussion, it's something they can feel more than just play,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52so they don't necessarily have to hear it.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Yeah! That's our band, that's our band.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00With Wells Cathedral on the school's doorstep,
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Tom has plenty opportunity to perform to large audiences
0:40:04 > 0:40:05in a grand setting.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07It's nice to have something to work for,
0:40:07 > 0:40:11so when there is a concert, I like it.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14It's just a nice chance to show off what you've been doing.
0:40:14 > 0:40:15Brass and percussionists go in there,
0:40:15 > 0:40:19we all do performances from different parts of the cathedral,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22with the lights off, really dimmed lights, so it's black,
0:40:22 > 0:40:24then you just walk around the cathedral and the music...
0:40:29 > 0:40:31..it echoes all through the cathedral, which is really nice.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37And then I'm playing a solo on marimba.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40MARIMBA PLAYS
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Tonight, though, Tom is hoping to win
0:40:47 > 0:40:49for one special person - Jan Faulkner,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53Tom's percussion teacher since he was eight years old,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55sadly passed away just before he made it through
0:40:55 > 0:40:57to the category final.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00She was a real inspiration in my life, and she still is.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04You know, it's...it's hard, because it's strange not having her around,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06and it's hard.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10She really was - and is, I think - his inspiration, his mentor.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16She was a great friend, she was wonderful to us as a family.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19She has a little phrase that she always used to say to Tom -
0:41:19 > 0:41:21"I'm just tucked up your sleeve" -
0:41:21 > 0:41:24when he came to play, and I know she'll be there.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26She was a big part of my life
0:41:26 > 0:41:31and, um...she's the one that taught me everything I know, really,
0:41:31 > 0:41:34so...I want to do her proud.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39APPLAUSE
0:41:42 > 0:41:45This is a piece which has been commissioned for me,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47so it's going to be a world premiere tonight,
0:41:47 > 0:41:51composed by a girl in college called Dani Howard,
0:41:51 > 0:41:52so that's very exciting.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26APPLAUSE
0:44:28 > 0:44:30Ameline is by Eric Sammut.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33It's a solo piece for marimba.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37There isn't a lot about it that I could find, programme notes,
0:44:37 > 0:44:39but my interpretation of it is that it's a love story.
0:47:29 > 0:47:30APPLAUSE
0:47:32 > 0:47:36Such an elegant performance of Eric Sammut's Ameline, there.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40Tom's mum clearly enjoyed it, too.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44I arranged this prelude from Bach, Partita No. 1, for the vibraphone.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46It's a really sweet melody,
0:47:46 > 0:47:49and I think it's a really nice end to my programme.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52For Bach to be played on vibraphone is quite unusual as well,
0:47:52 > 0:47:54so I'm looking forward to it.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28APPLAUSE
0:50:32 > 0:50:3717-year-old Tom Highnam, playing for us a wonderfully varied programme,
0:50:37 > 0:50:40concluding with his own arrangement
0:50:40 > 0:50:42of Bach's Prelude from Partita No. 1.
0:50:48 > 0:50:49Congratulations, Tom -
0:50:49 > 0:50:52to me, that just seemed like it was so fresh and exciting,
0:50:52 > 0:50:53right from the first note.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56It must have been amazing, playing your friend Dani Howard's piece
0:50:56 > 0:50:58as a world premiere - how was it?
0:50:58 > 0:50:59Yeah, it was amazing -
0:50:59 > 0:51:01like, I've never done anything like that before
0:51:01 > 0:51:04and I think for her, as well, it's an amazing thing
0:51:04 > 0:51:06for the first time for it to be played on BBC Young Musician.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09Tom's another player who's very clearly
0:51:09 > 0:51:12attractively and comfortably within his skin when he plays.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15It's so lovely to have a piece of music written for you
0:51:15 > 0:51:17and I felt that he really played that
0:51:17 > 0:51:19with real panache and real aplomb.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21I have not breathed since 9 o'clock this morning.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23And I'm an exceptionally proud auntie,
0:51:23 > 0:51:25and it was the most nerve-racking thing,
0:51:25 > 0:51:28sitting next to her through his whole performance.
0:51:32 > 0:51:33Well, this percussion final
0:51:33 > 0:51:36is developing into another close battle.
0:51:36 > 0:51:38Three really engaging performances so far.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44Next is our only female competitor, 16-year-old Jess Wood.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02On the northwest coast of England,
0:52:02 > 0:52:0616-year-old Jess Wood was brought up in a musical family.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08Her mum Ann is a piano teacher
0:52:08 > 0:52:12and dad Dave owns a music shop on the seafront in Morecambe.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14Jess works there part-time.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17Having the shop has been a really big help, cos you get to have a go
0:52:17 > 0:52:21at all the different instruments, see what you feel comfortable in.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25And obviously, having this great room makes me realise that, yeah,
0:52:25 > 0:52:27drums is something I'm really interested in.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30The shop has allowed Jess to build up
0:52:30 > 0:52:33an ever-expanding collection of percussion instruments,
0:52:33 > 0:52:36which can cause problems back at the family home.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38I think I realised when...
0:52:38 > 0:52:41You know, we have a vibraphone and a xylophone and a glockenspiel,
0:52:41 > 0:52:42and then a marimba.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45She wants timps at home - she ain't getting them.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47We had to get rid of the settee to get the marimba in.
0:52:49 > 0:52:53Thanks to being exposed to all types of instruments at the shop,
0:52:53 > 0:52:55and many hours of practising at home,
0:52:55 > 0:52:57by the time Jess joined secondary school,
0:52:57 > 0:53:00she was already an accomplished musician.
0:53:00 > 0:53:01Three, four...
0:53:01 > 0:53:05# La, la-la, la-la-la-la... #
0:53:05 > 0:53:06'I first met Jess in Year Seven.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10'It was really obvious how talented she was, she had Grade Six'
0:53:10 > 0:53:14and Grade Seven on various instruments already.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16And obviously, amongst 11-year-olds,
0:53:16 > 0:53:18that really stood out.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24Jess's Lancashire comprehensive specialises in the performing arts.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27She's the first-ever pupil to make it through
0:53:27 > 0:53:29to a Young Musician category final.
0:53:29 > 0:53:34School have been very supportive of my music, in any type of way.
0:53:34 > 0:53:40They allow me to play in assemblies or in front of classes
0:53:40 > 0:53:41to really build my confidence
0:53:41 > 0:53:44and give feedback on what I could improve.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47Like tonight's first competitor, Elliott,
0:53:47 > 0:53:5016-year-old Jess perfects her percussion skills
0:53:50 > 0:53:54at Manchester's Junior Royal Northern College of Music.
0:53:54 > 0:54:00I started at RNCM when I was...ten, so this will be my seventh year, now.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02They've really supported me,
0:54:02 > 0:54:06being able to perform in their informal concerts and such things,
0:54:06 > 0:54:09and I've got an amazing teacher who's really pushed me.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12That's it - I think if you use your fingernails,
0:54:12 > 0:54:13dig in a little more on the finger bit,
0:54:13 > 0:54:15it matches the brush sound better...
0:54:15 > 0:54:19'One of Jess's biggest strengths is in her mature choice of repertoire,
0:54:19 > 0:54:20'in the pieces that she picks.'
0:54:20 > 0:54:22She's gone for a very, very mature programme,
0:54:22 > 0:54:26with really musically and technically challenging pieces.
0:54:26 > 0:54:31Jess's musical maturity is further increased by influences
0:54:31 > 0:54:33outside of the classical world.
0:54:33 > 0:54:37Well, my mum is a songwriter, so she's really inspired me
0:54:37 > 0:54:40to try and write some songs and perform vocally as well.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42# Ooh
0:54:42 > 0:54:47# The pictures in the sky are days and times when
0:54:47 > 0:54:50# We held the candle flame... #
0:54:50 > 0:54:52'I mostly just do it in my bedroom,
0:54:52 > 0:54:54'but I'm going to try and start getting some gigs'
0:54:54 > 0:54:58to push my songs and see if people like them, and maybe go from there.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02Jess simply loves to perform,
0:55:02 > 0:55:06and a charity talent evening at Lancaster's Grand Theatre
0:55:06 > 0:55:09gives her a chance to swap the marimba and snare
0:55:09 > 0:55:12for a guitar and microphone.
0:55:12 > 0:55:16'I think I get more nervous doing voice and guitar,
0:55:16 > 0:55:19'just because I don't do it as often.'
0:55:19 > 0:55:21In percussion, I don't know why,
0:55:21 > 0:55:24but I kind of relate to it more than singing a song.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27Despite these other musical interests,
0:55:27 > 0:55:30Jess is very much focused on preparing
0:55:30 > 0:55:32for the percussion category final.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34I think she's just really dedicated.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36In fact, the schedule for the practising
0:55:36 > 0:55:38- was written down, and... - Yeah.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41..where she wants to be at a certain time, week, whatever.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43It's all very organised.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46- It's like a military campaign. - Yeah.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51I think being the only girl does give a slight advantage.
0:55:51 > 0:55:53If you see a girl behind a kit, in control, you think,
0:55:53 > 0:55:56"Wow, yeah, she can really give it some."
0:55:56 > 0:55:58I've had a few comments, saying,
0:55:58 > 0:56:01"But you're a little girl, you can't pull off that kind of instrument,"
0:56:01 > 0:56:03but I'll try and show them.
0:56:03 > 0:56:04SHE LAUGHS
0:56:04 > 0:56:06APPLAUSE
0:56:06 > 0:56:10The first piece, Asventuras, very groovy piece.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13A lot of hand percussion on the snare drum, so it really grooves along.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18And then the main part, with the sticks on the drum,
0:56:18 > 0:56:20just shows the technical side
0:56:20 > 0:56:22and all the rudiments that are involved in the piece.
0:56:24 > 0:56:28Really brings across my performing side, as well, to the audience.
0:58:26 > 0:58:28APPLAUSE
0:58:28 > 0:58:31Next, Jess is playing an ensemble piece,
0:58:31 > 0:58:34accompanied by multi-percussion and piano.
0:58:34 > 0:58:38The Prism Rhapsody, by Keiko Abe, is mainly for solo marimba,
0:58:38 > 0:58:40but we also added in a percussion section,
0:58:40 > 0:58:42which I do with my accompanist.
0:58:42 > 0:58:44It's a very contrasting piece -
0:58:44 > 0:58:47it shows all different sides of my musicality.
1:04:31 > 1:04:34CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:04:34 > 1:04:3916-year-old Jess Wood finishing off with a fantastic ensemble piece.
1:04:39 > 1:04:44It's incredible how much energy seems to be coming out of every cell
1:04:44 > 1:04:48of her body, and it certainly looks like she had the time of her life.
1:04:54 > 1:04:57She really takes command of the stage, whatever she is playing,
1:04:57 > 1:04:59whether she is playing just the snare drum on her own
1:04:59 > 1:05:01or whether she is leading her ensemble.
1:05:01 > 1:05:03A great performance from Jess, the snare drum piece,
1:05:03 > 1:05:05I couldn't really fault it.
1:05:05 > 1:05:07What was your highlight of the performance?
1:05:07 > 1:05:10I did a jump that I wasn't expecting to do.
1:05:10 > 1:05:14So that, for me, kind of brought the spark to it.
1:05:14 > 1:05:16- I thought, "Yeah, let's go for it." - Absolutely.
1:05:18 > 1:05:21She's just upped her game since the last performance,
1:05:21 > 1:05:24and is really, really enjoying it, it's great.
1:05:24 > 1:05:26She enjoyed it, you can just tell.
1:05:31 > 1:05:34Bringing this percussion category final to a close,
1:05:34 > 1:05:38it's our eldest competitor, Stefan Beckett.
1:05:53 > 1:05:56Stefan is our only competitor this evening
1:05:56 > 1:05:59that's studying music full-time.
1:05:59 > 1:06:02He's in London's prestigious Royal College of Music.
1:06:04 > 1:06:07It's the dream, what I've always wanted to do.
1:06:07 > 1:06:10When I was at school, there was always a part of me
1:06:10 > 1:06:12that just wanted to do music all the time.
1:06:12 > 1:06:16And having to spend six hours of my day sitting in maths lessons
1:06:16 > 1:06:19was not the dream, it was the opposite, in fact!
1:06:20 > 1:06:22Stef's love of music began at a young age,
1:06:22 > 1:06:26but it was the drums that really captured his imagination.
1:06:27 > 1:06:30I built a drum kit step by step.
1:06:30 > 1:06:35I started off just with a snare drum that cost about £10, off a friend.
1:06:35 > 1:06:39And then I got a new one when I started getting better.
1:06:42 > 1:06:46Then I decided I wanted to do orchestral playing,
1:06:46 > 1:06:49so I got a marimba, and a concert snare drum,
1:06:49 > 1:06:51and all the other gear, bits and bobs.
1:06:51 > 1:06:53The house is now just full of stuff!
1:06:53 > 1:06:56Now at music college,
1:06:56 > 1:06:58Stef is able to spend all of his time
1:06:58 > 1:07:00improving his percussion skills.
1:07:00 > 1:07:03One of his favourite pursuits is a duo he's formed
1:07:03 > 1:07:05with best friend, Will.
1:07:05 > 1:07:09We're writing a multi-percussion set-up piece, which we share,
1:07:09 > 1:07:12so it sort of works like a drum kit, but we share the same instruments.
1:07:12 > 1:07:14It's quite tough to organise sometimes,
1:07:14 > 1:07:17because we end up, like, crossing over sticks and stuff.
1:07:23 > 1:07:27Repertoire for the marimba and vibraphone is relatively modern.
1:07:27 > 1:07:29Stefan's real passion is arranging older
1:07:29 > 1:07:32pieces for these 20th century instruments.
1:07:32 > 1:07:35He's playing two of those arrangements in this final.
1:07:35 > 1:07:39So, there isn't any sort of romantic or classical music.
1:07:39 > 1:07:42Chopin never wrote anything for marimba.
1:07:42 > 1:07:46So I have to adapt it for marimba myself.
1:07:46 > 1:07:49All this music-making takes up most of Stefan's time,
1:07:49 > 1:07:51however, he does allow himself to relax
1:07:51 > 1:07:54over a few drinks with his friends.
1:07:54 > 1:07:57The rest of the percussionists at the Royal College
1:07:57 > 1:08:00are all really nice people, we're all like a big family.
1:08:00 > 1:08:03And after a day of practising, we will all sort of sit around,
1:08:03 > 1:08:07"Let's got get a pint in the bar", playing some pool together,
1:08:07 > 1:08:11going to a nicer pub, or just going out for a meal together.
1:08:11 > 1:08:13It's not all about the work, with Stef.
1:08:13 > 1:08:18It's all about having a good time and just being a nice, nice guy.
1:08:18 > 1:08:21He's an inspiration to me as well.
1:08:21 > 1:08:27Because, like, without him, erm... I wouldn't really do that much!
1:08:27 > 1:08:29Stef's family have been a huge support
1:08:29 > 1:08:32in his quest to be a professional percussionist.
1:08:32 > 1:08:34My family's great.
1:08:34 > 1:08:38They help me out with everything, from emotionally supporting me,
1:08:38 > 1:08:42when, I guess, through audition time, things get tough.
1:08:42 > 1:08:44And also in a very manual sense.
1:08:44 > 1:08:46Every percussionist's father could say
1:08:46 > 1:08:49they get a bad back from carting their kit around!
1:08:49 > 1:08:52I don't think that's an exception.
1:08:52 > 1:08:57Whatever needs moving, I end up lumping it around for him.
1:08:57 > 1:09:00Stef, his brother and sister now live away from home.
1:09:00 > 1:09:04But Dad's legendary Sunday dinner brings them all back together.
1:09:04 > 1:09:07You sit around the table and have a good roast together.
1:09:07 > 1:09:09We get to catch up and see how everyone's doing.
1:09:12 > 1:09:15We're all sort of separate lives but when we come back together,
1:09:15 > 1:09:18we're still sort like the eight-year-olds we once were!
1:09:18 > 1:09:20THEY TAP OUT BEAT
1:09:20 > 1:09:22That's it, all he does, every day, is music.
1:09:22 > 1:09:26All he thinks, dreams, sleeps, is music. So it's right for him.
1:09:26 > 1:09:27And he loves it.
1:09:27 > 1:09:29He calls me up, I'm like, "How's college?"
1:09:29 > 1:09:33He'll say, "It's easy, it's great, I'm doing what I love every day."
1:09:33 > 1:09:34Every time I came home,
1:09:34 > 1:09:37there would always be this noise in the background,
1:09:37 > 1:09:38this constant drumming.
1:09:38 > 1:09:41Then it just got to a point where you had to start listening,
1:09:41 > 1:09:42it got that good.
1:09:42 > 1:09:45It's just incredible to think that this little kid
1:09:45 > 1:09:47that was running around at my heels when I was growing up
1:09:47 > 1:09:49has now turned into someone with such a big focus.
1:09:49 > 1:09:52As a fan of Young Musician since he was a child,
1:09:52 > 1:09:56Stefan hopes the percussion category will produce another overall winner.
1:09:57 > 1:10:00Percussion is a lot more respected than it used to be.
1:10:00 > 1:10:04People seem to include it into the competition.
1:10:04 > 1:10:05There is a real possibility
1:10:05 > 1:10:09a percussionist will win the whole competition again.
1:10:13 > 1:10:17APPLAUSE
1:10:17 > 1:10:19The first piece I'm playing, and opening with,
1:10:19 > 1:10:24is an arrangement of Rachmaninov's Prelude In C# minor.
1:10:24 > 1:10:28And it's a piece which has always just been a favourite, really.
1:13:22 > 1:13:26APPLAUSE
1:13:26 > 1:13:30Next, Stefan brings a bit of rock'n'roll to the college hall.
1:13:32 > 1:13:34I'll also be playing a drum solo,
1:13:34 > 1:13:37a transcription of one of Steve Gadd's drum solos.
1:13:37 > 1:13:41I've put it in the programme to show off my sort of ability
1:13:41 > 1:13:44to get round the drum set, and show off what I can do.
1:15:40 > 1:15:43APPLAUSE
1:15:43 > 1:15:45I'm playing a vibraphone piece
1:15:45 > 1:15:48which is an arrangement of a Tchaikovsky piece from his set of
1:15:48 > 1:15:53piano works called The Seasons. It's the movement called October.
1:15:53 > 1:15:57It's an autumn song. It's a really lovely piece, very moving.
1:17:34 > 1:17:36APPLAUSE
1:17:37 > 1:17:40Stefan finishes his programme with a snare drum solo by
1:17:40 > 1:17:45the award-winning American percussionist Casey Cangelosi.
1:17:46 > 1:17:50Meditation no.1 for snare drum by the composer Casey Cangelosi, really
1:17:50 > 1:17:53has found these amazing sounds which he can get from the snare drum.
1:17:53 > 1:17:56Playing it with your hands, playing it with your fingernails,
1:17:56 > 1:17:58fingertips, on the side of the sticks.
1:19:24 > 1:19:26APPLAUSE
1:19:29 > 1:19:32Stefan Beckett closing our percussion final.
1:19:32 > 1:19:37Demonstrating his awesome skills as a performer and arranger.
1:19:37 > 1:19:39The audience seems to be completely in awe of him,
1:19:39 > 1:19:41but do the judges feel the same?
1:19:47 > 1:19:49Amazing. Fantastic. Well done.
1:19:49 > 1:19:51He's obviously an excellent drum kit player.
1:19:51 > 1:19:54I wish he let his hair down a bit more.
1:19:54 > 1:19:57It was a programme of contrast for contrast sake.
1:19:57 > 1:20:00But still very enjoyable in many respects.
1:20:00 > 1:20:04The Rachmaninov, I thought, showed an unbelievable technical skill,
1:20:04 > 1:20:06as did the snare drum piece at the end,
1:20:06 > 1:20:09which really ended the whole night with a real flourish.
1:20:09 > 1:20:13Stefan, what were your overall highlights of your performance this evening?
1:20:13 > 1:20:16I thought the start with the Rachmaninov was really thrilling,
1:20:16 > 1:20:19going on stage with that initial buzz. And then playing that piece
1:20:19 > 1:20:22which I've always wanted to really play in this sort of situation.
1:20:22 > 1:20:23As soon as that last note was played,
1:20:23 > 1:20:25it brought the house down, I think.
1:20:25 > 1:20:28So, he was really exciting to watch and I can only hope
1:20:28 > 1:20:30and wait for the result now with bated breath.
1:20:33 > 1:20:35So all five of our finalists have now performed
1:20:35 > 1:20:39and it's been another evening of extraordinary musicianship.
1:20:39 > 1:20:43Sadly, only one of them can go on to win the percussion category final
1:20:43 > 1:20:45and progress through to the semifinal.
1:20:45 > 1:20:47It's decision time for the jury.
1:20:49 > 1:20:51They are...
1:20:53 > 1:20:56..former Young Musician finalist, Owen Gunnell.
1:20:59 > 1:21:02Percussionist and educator, Simone Rebello.
1:21:07 > 1:21:10And our General Adjudicator, Meurig Bowen.
1:21:20 > 1:21:24We've had five incredibly varied, ambitious, bold programmes,
1:21:24 > 1:21:26massive colour and texture.
1:21:30 > 1:21:35So, Elliott, for me, it was the most satisfying
1:21:35 > 1:21:40and enjoyable rounded programme, and particularly the choice of pieces.
1:21:40 > 1:21:43I think technically he's very strong,
1:21:43 > 1:21:47and he can cover the range of instruments very well.
1:21:47 > 1:21:51Maybe a little bit in the solo marimba pieces,
1:21:51 > 1:21:55maybe his technique there needed just a little more
1:21:55 > 1:21:57so that we got more of the quieter sounds.
1:21:57 > 1:21:59- Over-exuberant perhaps.- Yes.
1:21:59 > 1:22:05- The performance, like you say, he performed...- He did. - ..didn't he?- He did.
1:22:11 > 1:22:14Matthew, completely different programme, as we know.
1:22:14 > 1:22:17Two pieces rather than four, so we got less range from him.
1:22:17 > 1:22:20- Do you think that counted against him in the end?- Possibly.
1:22:20 > 1:22:24I suppose you have to be careful not to mark the repertoire,
1:22:24 > 1:22:25but then you do need, you know,
1:22:25 > 1:22:28you have to think of it as a performance.
1:22:28 > 1:22:32In a competition like this, you want to find out as much about
1:22:32 > 1:22:35the player in their tiny little time.
1:22:35 > 1:22:39I felt that I've got probably a few more questions than answers.
1:22:39 > 1:22:42Obviously very neat technically, very musical.
1:22:43 > 1:22:49I enjoyed Tag because we saw a little more of him there
1:22:49 > 1:22:52and I liked some of the sounds he picked for that.
1:22:57 > 1:23:00So, Tom, another very varied programme,
1:23:00 > 1:23:02including a piece that was actually written for him
1:23:02 > 1:23:05which I think was quite an ambitious start for him, wasn't it?
1:23:05 > 1:23:10I think that's always an exciting thing to happen for a young musician,
1:23:10 > 1:23:12to have a piece written for you.
1:23:12 > 1:23:16And I thought that he approached it with real confidence
1:23:16 > 1:23:19and really went for it, and it was his piece,
1:23:19 > 1:23:21- so it seemed a very personal affair. - Yeah.
1:23:21 > 1:23:24In a piece like that where you've got the tuned percussion
1:23:24 > 1:23:27and then the multi-percussion around it, you've got to play it
1:23:27 > 1:23:31almost like an ensemble, so you've got to really think of balance.
1:23:31 > 1:23:34Some of the instruments were...
1:23:34 > 1:23:37It just wasn't quite balanced quite enough for my liking.
1:23:42 > 1:23:45I think possibly Jess' performance was the most controlled
1:23:45 > 1:23:47and in control of the night.
1:23:47 > 1:23:51Yeah, it wasn't so controlled that I was bored. I mean, it was exciting.
1:23:56 > 1:23:58The ensemble piece, they really played it as a trio,
1:23:58 > 1:24:01with her being the leader, obviously.
1:24:01 > 1:24:03I was quite impressed with how she led that.
1:24:03 > 1:24:07I liked her honesty in her performance, it's very slick,
1:24:07 > 1:24:12it's very controlled, but there's still a sense of panache,
1:24:12 > 1:24:16sparkle in her eyes and wanting to lift the music off the page.
1:24:22 > 1:24:25Stefan, crazily varied programme,
1:24:25 > 1:24:29going from a well-known Rachmaninov piano piece to rock drums.
1:24:32 > 1:24:34Didn't really let his hair down in the rock drums
1:24:34 > 1:24:36and maybe just wanted a bit more.
1:24:36 > 1:24:40It felt, to me, like it was a bit of a technical exercise, a reproduction
1:24:40 > 1:24:44of something rather than an actual interpretational performance itself.
1:24:44 > 1:24:47Cos he's obviously really good on the drums,
1:24:47 > 1:24:50but I wanted to be a bit more wowed.
1:24:51 > 1:24:52But the snare drum piece at the end...
1:24:52 > 1:24:54As a percussionist myself,
1:24:54 > 1:24:57I had to look a couple of times as to what on earth he was doing.
1:24:57 > 1:24:59I got really impressed here.
1:24:59 > 1:25:03Great. Well, now we have to make our final choice.
1:25:09 > 1:25:13It is only the second night of the competition here in Cardiff
1:25:13 > 1:25:17and the level of talent has been extraordinary.
1:25:17 > 1:25:2020 years on since the very first percussion final,
1:25:20 > 1:25:22we can confidently say that the music-making
1:25:22 > 1:25:25has been going from strength to strength.
1:25:25 > 1:25:27But sadly there can only be one winner
1:25:27 > 1:25:30and only one person will go into the semifinal.
1:25:30 > 1:25:34To announce who it is - Simone Rebello.
1:25:36 > 1:25:39We've seen a really high standard of performance,
1:25:39 > 1:25:41some very interesting repertoire
1:25:41 > 1:25:44and we've had a very tough decision to make.
1:25:44 > 1:25:48But we have made a decision and it gives me great pleasure to say that
1:25:48 > 1:25:55the winner of the BBC Young Musician 2014 percussion category final is...
1:25:56 > 1:25:58..Elliott Gaston-Ross.
1:25:58 > 1:26:01APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
1:26:10 > 1:26:13Well, a very deserved winner in a category that, to me,
1:26:13 > 1:26:15seemed a tough one to call,
1:26:15 > 1:26:17so it's huge congratulations to Elliott
1:26:17 > 1:26:22and also really well done to the other four valiant competitors,
1:26:22 > 1:26:27Matthew Farthing, Tom Highnam, Stefan Beckett and Jess Wood.
1:26:29 > 1:26:30He's the youngest.
1:26:30 > 1:26:33It could have gone another way very easily, but in the end,
1:26:33 > 1:26:36there's something very special about him
1:26:36 > 1:26:38and I think he's really got something.
1:26:38 > 1:26:40The programme, the way he shapes his performance,
1:26:40 > 1:26:42he looked like he was enjoying it.
1:26:42 > 1:26:44I don't know if he's ever been nervous in his life,
1:26:44 > 1:26:46he didn't look like it. He went for it.
1:26:46 > 1:26:49I thought it would be a lot easier making the decision tonight,
1:26:49 > 1:26:50but it was bloomin' difficult.
1:26:52 > 1:26:55He is a really fantastic performer,
1:26:55 > 1:27:00so honest and so true and totally 100% believing in what he's doing.
1:27:00 > 1:27:01So, Elliott, you killed it tonight.
1:27:01 > 1:27:03I thought you were in your element on the stage.
1:27:03 > 1:27:06- What do you think gave you the edge? - Oh, thank you.
1:27:06 > 1:27:10I thought it was just a really enjoyable experience.
1:27:10 > 1:27:13It was so great to see your face when they'd said you won.
1:27:13 > 1:27:17How was that? Can you remember that initial...?
1:27:17 > 1:27:24It's so unreal, unreal sort of experience. It's absolutely amazing.
1:27:28 > 1:27:30Over the moon. Can't believe it.
1:27:31 > 1:27:35How he managed to beat off that competition, I have no idea.
1:27:35 > 1:27:37I'm sure the judges will explain it to me later.
1:27:40 > 1:27:42So, many congratulations
1:27:42 > 1:27:45to 15-year-old Elliott Gaston-Ross as he wins the percussion
1:27:45 > 1:27:50category final in its historic 20th anniversary year in the competition.
1:27:50 > 1:27:53You'll be hearing more from him in the semifinal.
1:27:53 > 1:27:57Join us again next week right here on BBC Four
1:27:57 > 1:28:00when we will have five more incredibly talented young players
1:28:00 > 1:28:02competing in the woodwind final.
1:28:02 > 1:28:05But for now, we'll leave you with a little taster
1:28:05 > 1:28:07of what you can expect from next week's Young Musicians.
1:28:07 > 1:28:10- Good night.- Good night.
1:28:10 > 1:28:12I'm going to do my best to concentrate on the music.
1:28:12 > 1:28:15I'm going to give it everything I've got.
1:28:15 > 1:28:18Every chance to perform is a golden opportunity.
1:28:18 > 1:28:21Performing it and sharing it with people is what I love to do.
1:28:21 > 1:28:24I'm waiting for it to hit me that I'm actually here.
1:28:24 > 1:28:30I don't just want to be a showing off, I want to have some integrity.
1:28:30 > 1:28:32- That was absolutely amazing. - I was pretty spellbound.
1:28:32 > 1:28:36She doesn't want to be anywhere else except on stage.