Queen Mary’s School Music Excellence: Ripon Young Musician Win and Advanced Chorister Award
Outstanding Music Achievement at North Yorkshire’s Queen Mary’s Private School: Celebrating Evalyn and Emilia’s Success
Queen Mary’s School Celebrates Exceptional Young Musicians in 2025
This weekend, two Queen Mary’s girls reminded us, with extraordinary clarity, what it looks like when talent, dedication, and opportunity come together in perfect harmony. Their achievements not only reflected their individual brilliance but also showcased the vibrant musical culture at Queen Mary’s School – one that nurtures passion, fosters discipline, and celebrates excellence in all its forms. Evalyn and Emilia’s stories are inspiring in their own right, but together they create a powerful testament to what young people can accomplish when they are supported, encouraged, and given the space to grow. What a way to demonstrate ‘Her Best Day, Every Day’!
Inspiring Musical Success at Yorkshire Private School: Evalyn Wins Ripon Young Musician Competition
For Evalyn, the Ripon Young Musician competition was more than a stage; it was a moment to step forward with confidence and artistry, and she rose to the occasion beautifully. Performing in a competitive environment requires poise and maturity beyond one’s years, yet Evalyn embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. She won her solo class with a performance that captivated both audience and adjudicators, demonstrating not just technical ability but expressive, thoughtful musicianship. Her invitation to perform Madrigal by Philippe Gaubert at the evening concert in St John’s Church further underscored the impression she made. Playing in such a historic and atmospheric venue is a privilege reserved for standout performers, and Evalyn’s inclusion was a reflection of the strength of her interpretation and presence.
Her success did not stop there. Evalyn went on to win her duet class as well, showing her versatility and collaborative spirit. Working as a duo requires sensitivity, communication, and trust—qualities that speak to her rounded musicianship as much as her technical skill. And then came the crowning moment: she was awarded the cup for Most Promising Instrumentalist, a title that recognises not only her outstanding achievements that day but her potential for the future. It is a remarkable honour, and one she earned through effort, dedication, and her deep love of music. Evalyn’s accomplishments shine brightly, and they remind us of the incredible journeys young musicians can embark upon when they are encouraged to challenge themselves.
Music Excellence Recognised at Yorkshire All Girls’ School: Emilia Achieves Her Black Advanced Chorister Medal
Meanwhile, Emilia reached a milestone of a different, but equally impressive, kind. She received her black advanced chorister medal, the highest honour within Cathedral Choir and an achievement reserved for only the most dedicated and accomplished young singers. This award is not simply given; it is earned through years of commitment, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. To reach this level, a chorister must show outstanding musicianship, leadership, reliability, and a true understanding of the role they play within the choral tradition. Emilia’s journey exemplifies all of this and more.
Her musical life stretches far beyond her role as a chorister. Emilia balances early mornings in the Cathedral with late evening rehearsals, weaving her passion for music into every part of her day. She sings with Ripon City Band, lends her voice to Chapel Choir, and contributes her instrumental talents to the Chamber Orchestra. Each of these ensembles demands time, focus, and energy—yet she manages them all while preparing for her ABRSM piano exam, a significant endeavour in itself. Her commitment is extraordinary, and she embraces her workload not out of obligation but out of genuine joy for the music she creates. Emilia truly lives and breathes her craft, and her new medal is a testament to years of perseverance and heartfelt dedication.
Independent School Pride: Queen Mary’s School Celebrates Exceptional Music Achievements
Musical Talent Shines with Two Pupils Earning Top Honours
Together, Evalyn and Emilia embody what Queen Mary’s School strives to inspire in every pupil: courage, creativity, hard work, and the confidence to step forward and shine. Their achievements reflect not only their individual efforts but also the support of teachers, mentors, families, and peers who believe in fostering talent and creating opportunities. At Queen Mary’s, music is not simply an activity; it is an integral part of the school’s spirit and community. It encourages pupils to express themselves, to collaborate, to push boundaries, and to discover strengths they may never have known they had.
This weekend’s accomplishments are a celebration not only of musical excellence but of resilience, passion, and the joy of learning. Evalyn and Emilia remind us that success is built one rehearsal, one performance, and one courageous step at a time. They serve as inspiring role models to younger pupils and as a source of immense pride for the entire school community.
Here’s to Evalyn and Emilia for living their best day, every day; proving that with talent, dedication, and opportunity, extraordinary things are possible.
Musical Excellence: Learn How Queen Mary’s Prioritises Music Education
At Queen Mary’s, music is a huge part of school life. Pupils sing numerous times a week within prayers and hymns and perform in multiple concerts at events, during the school day, and externally on music tours and at prestigious venues. A few highlights this term include choir performances at the Christmas Fair, Harvest Festival, and Remembrance Service along with ensemble performances including the flute ensemble’s recent school performance. There are still plenty of events to come on the run up to Christmas including the MacMillan Ripon Christmas Concert, Candlelit Britten Ceremony, and Nine Lessons and Carols at Ripon Cathedral.
Recently, Queen Mary’s was selected to perform at the prestigious EuroDisney Performing Arts Stage in Paris, having beaten a large number of schools to take up the opportunity. In October of this term, they performed at the Disney Performing Arts Stage, La Madeleine, and the Jardin du Luxembourg on their fun, uplifting and educational Parisian Music Tour. In the same autumn term, our all girl school also hosted another fantastic inner school event, the House Music Competition 2025, which School House, Rievaulx won.
As well as a high uptake of Music GCSE, there is also an extra-curricular programme that boasts 10 music clubs in addition to a further three musical theatre options. Find out about about Queen Mary’s Music in School.
