Musical skills impress visiting Eisteddfod adjudicator

Christopher Field has enjoyed a widely varied musical career but this is his first time adjudicating the Eisteddfod, having never been to the island before.

‘I’m very much enjoying it,’ he said.

Mr Field explained that the British International Federation of Festivals revised its marking scheme last year, with a broader range of marks to allow more specificity between skill levels. There are now seven bands from ‘developing’ to ‘exceptional’ where scores range from 65-95-plus.

‘It’s very rare to go into the 90s but I gave a 95 on the first day,’ he said. ‘It was a performance by a 17-year-old, very talented, which would have easily gained admission to one of the conservatories.’

Mr Field has been a regular adjudicator since he retired from full-time teaching 25 years ago.

As a schoolboy he sang at the coronation service of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey and played double bass in the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, but his interest in music started even before that, having grown up around it.

‘My mother was very musical and my father had a lovely voice.’

He went on to become a schoolmaster and for over 40 years, his published teaching works have appeared in the singing and double bass graded examination syllabuses. As well as speaking at the end of each class, Mr Field also gives extensive notes to ‘absolutely everybody’ who performs, hoping to inspire their progress.

‘That’s the demanding part of the job. I’ve been conducting choirs for a very long time so I’ve dealt with adults and youngsters. It’s an opportunity to encourage.

‘I enjoyed teaching, I started more than 60 years ago and although this is not a teaching job all the time, what I’m trying to do is supplement what they’re getting from their teacher and give encouragement, with pointers to things that they could work on.’

Still a passionate conductor and adjudicator, Mr Field said he had no plans to stop.

‘I conducted City of London Chamber Choir and we were singing in Durham Cathedral two weekends ago.’

• The music section of Eisteddfod runs until Saturday, with the English speech and drama section starting on Monday. For more details visit eisteddfod.gg.