Two local boys from Rhos on Sea, who attend Rydal Penrhos School, have been selected as members of the Conwy Big Band.
Glen Davies, 16 a talented saxophone player and Nico Widdowson, 15 a hugely gifted pianist were selected for the Conwy Big Band following recommendations by their music teachers.
The standard of musicians within the Band, which is under the direction of Paul Roberts, a prominent member of the North Wales jazz scene, is extremely high and rehearsals take place monthly in preparation for bi-annual county performances at St Paul’s Church, Colwyn Bay.
Both Nico and Glen began playing their instruments at an early age and have both successfully achieved their Grade 8 examinations.
The boys are prominent members of Rydal Penrhos’ Jazz Band which sees pupils from as young as Year 7 come together to play regularly at school concerts and events as well as a week-long performing tour each summer. Glen and Nicholas’ huge passion for music has also seen the duo busy arranging the music for the School’s production of ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ which will take place from 12 – 16 March 2013.
Music is an integral part of Rydal Penrhos with pupils studying the subject from Year 7 with the option to continue to GCSE and A-Level.
Pupils are encouraged to try out different musical instruments during their time at School, with many pupils choosing to join extra-curricular bands including the Jazz Band, Woodwind Group and Strings Group.
In the future Glen hopes to form his own Jazz band in the area while studying for his A-Levels in the Sixth form at Rydal Penrhos. Nico, who is also continuing his Sixth form studies at Rydal Penrhos, hopes a career in music beckons following his time at school and has ambitions to become an international performer.