Two Queen's College pupils Gregory Steward (Year 8) and Alexandra Seow (Year 9) have won places at the 
prestigious National Children's Orchestra 2013.
Over 1200 applications are received every year for only 100 places and only the region's top musicians are awarded places.
Gregory, who plays the French Horn was awarded a place in the Under 13 orchestra and Alexandra, who plays the Violin gained a place in the main orchestra.
Both students auditioned by playing two pieces of contrasting music as well as sight reading in front of a panel of adjudicators.
Gregory was named as runner-up as in Taunton's Young Musician of the Year competition at the end of 2012. Alexandra also attained distinction in Grade 8 violin in December and was awarded the Sidney Lawton Trust Award for the highest mark in a music examination.
The National Children's Orchestra meets during the school holidays, on two nine-day residential courses where they rehearse pieces for a public concert at the end of the period.
Although Gregory and Alexandra are used to playing to packed audiences in the 550-seater theatre at Queen's College, as members of the National Children's Orchestra, they will have the opportunity to perform at a number of prestigious venues, including Symphony Hall in Birmingham and the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Occasionally there are other special concerts that the National Children's Orchestra will be asked to perform at as well as a non-residential weekend and concert in the winter.
Said Headmaster Chris Alcock: "We are delighted that two of our young Queen's College musicians have 
earned themselves the chance to perform at such a high level and in such prestigious venues. We really hope that they enjoy this tremendous opportunity and are able to gain valuable top-class performance experience alongside other like-minded, dedicated musicians."
Alexandra's first Spring concert with the Main National Children's Orchestra will be on Saturday 6th April at the De Montfort Hall, Leicester, and Gregory will perform with the Under 13 Orchestra on Sunday 7th April at The Anvil, Basingstoke.