Catherine McAuley College’s Year 11 student Blaze Houlden received the award at an awards night this week after playing a piece by Australian composer Lachlan Davidson.

Blaze was commended by adjudicators Jacqui Vine and Matt Dudfield for his masterly performance, as well as his engagement with both his accompanist, Cheryl Long, and the audience.

Awarding the prize was difficult for the adjudicators in a close competition that saw 15 students perform.

Guitarist Harrison Jenner claimed second prize, while third went to bagpiper Emily Earl.

Clarinetist Maya Flood received the Emerging Artist Award, a prize given to a student who has significant potential and musicality.

Related: CCB music students shine

The school's instrumental music coordinator, Ashleigh Yeates, said the students gave a “fantastic evening of entertainment”.

“Every year I am impressed with the level of talent found in the students at our college,” she said. 

Mrs Yeates also congratulated all students who entered.

“I admire the bravery of these students who have put themselves forward for (the) concert,” she said.

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