Five pupils from the same Derbyshire school are celebrating selection as members of national musical organisations.
Places in the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, the premier symphony orchestra for children, have been offered to four young musicians from Foremarke Hall, Repton’s Preparatory School.
Alistair Westwood [Double Bass] and Anastacia Peters [Trumpet] each retained their places and this year will be performing in the Under 13 section, together with Jasmine Leavesley [Cello] who has also been offered a place for 2014 – 2015. Alice Markham [Trumpet] will be joining the Under 11 Orchestra.
Entrance to the prestigious Orchestra is via an audition process with standards incredibly high. All Foremarke pupils were asked to play two contrasting prepared pieces of music to demonstrate the range of their ability. Their sight reading was then tested by them having to play two unseen pieces – one of these is received five minutes before the audition and the other just 30 seconds in advance.
Now their places in the NCO are secured, these talented Foremarke pupils will have the opportunity to play with the best of the musical talent from all over the country. Performances are renowned for their intensity, vivacity and commitment, but above all their professionalism.
It is not just the instrumentalists who have achieved national glory – fellow pupil Rika Canaway has secured a position in the National Youth Choir.
The National Youth Choirs of Great Britain meet twice each year for residential courses. Rika will now attend these intensive courses; giving her additional opportunities to develop her vocal technique across a wide range of challenging music as well as to gain outstanding performance experiences.
Director of Music at Foremarke Hall, Mrs Susan Bloor, commented: “Everyone at Foremarke Hall is extremely proud to have so many children who have been accepted into these prestigious groups. It is testament to their hard work and to the excellent facilities we have at Foremarke Hall.”