further thought
what the judges should have done is make up a best newcomers prize on the spot. you see what the kids wanted was a bit of kudos, abit of something to put on their website - and what would it have cost anybody?

as it is they might go away and say, oh we tried that and it was a bit of a closed shop - all old stuff. and if they say that to their fellow young musicians, it might dissuade other young people from having a go, and that would be a pity.