On the 24 May, three NECOM chamber music groups competed in the Armidale Eisteddfod in age-appropriate sections. Rainbow notes; consisting of Nathea Ping-Kee, India Smith and Neve Daugherty won first place in their section; while Womble Ensemble and Triple Platinum both received third place in theirs. Michele Walsh gave many helpful comments and was a warm and encouraging adjudicator. She was careful to make it clear that adjudications are judgements on a single performance only, and that all the groups had great qualities. This was indeed the case – the standard of performance in all the sections was very high, and it was great to see so many young people enjoying themselves through playing together.