Wycliffe College Sixth Form pupil Beth Hiatt is through to the Finals of the South Cotswold Rotary Young Musician of the Year, winning 
the Woodwind heat of the competition.
The 17-year-old has been playing clarinet for 10 years.
“I think I chose the clarinet because seven-year-old Beth thought it looked cool,” said Beth.
Beth joined Wycliffe College, Gloucestershire, in September on a Music Scholarship. She has performed with the Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra and London Youth Wind Band.
During the half-term break she will take part in an intensive course with the National Youth Orchestra in London.
Beth says she plays every day and that music is an important part of her life.
“What I enjoy most about playing is that satisfaction of when you play something and you know you’ve done it right,” she said.
She says her musical skill has developed a great deal since joining Wycliffe which has strong Music and Drama Departments.
“When I listen to recordings of my playing in Year 11 and my playing now and it’s like it isn’t the same person. Coming to Wycliffe has made a huge difference,” said Beth.
Gemma Russell, Director of Music, said “We are incredibly proud of Beth and all that she has achieved.
“The South Cotswold Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition is a fantastic opportunity for young musicians to gain valuable experience, and Beth’s success in this competition is a testament to the dedication she shows to music on a daily basis.”
The Final of the South Cotswold Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition is February 19 in Wycliffe College’s Sibly Hall