'Folk Fusion' are a hit

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 27th of May 2014

The Folk Fusion Ensemble from St Benedict's School, Ealing are making waves in the music world. Upper Sixth students Joseph Curran (flute), Francesco Orlando (bass), Ben Udwin (guitar) and Tom Best (drums) performed in the final of a national Folk competition called New Roots at the Trestle Arts Base in St Albans. A panel of judges comprising some of the UK's most high-profile folk artists liked what they heard and the ensemble has now been awarded a feature spot at the Redbourn Folk Club near St Albans on evening of June 26th.
Tom Best describes how it went: 'When our name was called, we were nervous to say the least, but excited as it was our first live performance as a group! Our pieces went well with few hiccups! After listening to fellow competitors and a long waiting period, the judges gave their feedback - valuable and constructive but most of all, positive! We are now looking forward to the chance to play in more performances. Following the competition we have also gone into a music studio to record our competition pieces.'

Drum Teacher Matt Fisher, who teaches the students and prepared the ensemble for the competition said: 'They were brilliant. Very proud! Everyone was very impressed with them, particularly as they were the only school band there and they got some excellent feedback from the panel of judges.'