AT an event evoking the excitement of the classic Jack Black movie Rockschool, students of St Mary’s in Melrose gave full rein to their talent and enthusiasm when they performed a drum bash in front of a packed audience recently.
Prep school head teacher Liam Harvey presented the pupils – aged eight to 16 – with their certificates for passing exams set and monitored by Live Act Music Lessons, based in Kelso.
Rockschool examiners James Robertson and Arlene Valente visit the school twice a year to assess their drum, guitar and keyboard students.
All but two of the 21 aspirants are specialising in drums and Mr Harvie acknowledged their achievement, with 13 passing with merit and two with distinction.
“To witness such ability and technique from such a young age-group is very inspiring,” said Mr Harvie.
The entertainment in the school began with an uplifting festive programme from Selkirk-based Riddell Fiddles.
Rockschool passes
Debut keyboard – Fergus Miller; grade 1 keyboard - Ben Counsell (with merit).
Grade 1 guitar – Scott Graham.
Grade 1 drums – Charles Campbell, Calum Leitch (merit), Katie MacDonald (merit) and Emily Jenkins (merit).
Grade 2 drums – Bryn Howell, Dharan Prabhakar (merit), Euan Napier (merit), Craig Fairbairn (merit), Craig Healy (merit) and Craig Donaldson (merit).
Grade 3 drums – Broc Drury (merit).
Grade 4 drums – Kirsty Lennon, Samuel Walker (merit), Craig Forysth (merit) and Emma Counsell (merit).
Grade 6 drums – David Robertson and Robert Wilson (with distinction).
Grade 7 drums – Ross Waters (distinction).