A Cobram musical talent has found herself in the spotlight after claiming first place in a statewide showcase in Melbourne.
Cobram Secondary College’s Jessie Ashcroft took part in the Victorian State Solo Championships in Melbourne on Saturday, October 26, at Carey Baptist Grammar School.
In what was her first time performing in a solo competition, Jessie never expected to come away with any awards — much less first place in all of her four competitions.
“For one of [my pieces], I had made a couple of little fumbles where I was like, ‘I think I’ve just lost’,” she said.
Instead, she said she thought it would be a way to get a taste of performing in a solo competition.
And so when she found out she had received first place, Jessie said she was in complete shock.
“I was in such a daze. I couldn’t believe it — I was crying, I was so happy. I couldn’t believe what happened,” she said.
To celebrate, Jessie and her family went to a restaurant where she rewarded herself with a pineapple mocktail.
In the competition, performers were judged and rated a score out of 100.
Jessie said she was aiming for a score of 60 out of 100, but the competition’s adjudicators rated her performance with a 92 per cent score.
She performed two pieces: Syrinx, by Claude Debussy, and Sicilienne, by Philippe Gaubert.
Jessie is now the state champion in categories 2024 Junior Flute/Piccolo and 2024 Open Flute/Piccolo. She is also the 2024 Junior Woodwind Champion of Champions as well as the 2024 Open Woodwind Champion of Champions.
Jessie’s music teacher and CSC director of music Justin McLaren said he was incredibly proud of her efforts and achievements.
“She consistently takes every opportunity, and she is well on the way to achieving her substantial musical goals,” he said.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds for this young musician.”