Staines Prep School Boy Joins National Children’s Orchestra

1st January 2009

Musically gifted Staines Prep School pupil Dylan P. has recently accepted a place in the Under 11 National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain. The NCO gives talented children the chance to play in a full symphony orchestra.

Having played the trumpet for just two years, Dylan (10), from Ashford, Middlesex, auditioned for the orchestra this Autumn. Every year the National Children’s Orchestra auditions more than 800 children who hope to become a member of one of the five age banded orchestras which draw together almost 500 talented musicians, aged 7-14. Members enjoy performing in concerts up and down the country.

Dylan will be provided with high class tuition on a stimulating week-long residential course in Yorkshire in July 2009, followed by a performance for parents and friends. He is looking forward to joining the South East regional orchestra for monthly rehearsals, comprised of all the 7-14 year members in the area, and will take part in an NCO-GB concert in June 2009.

Being a member of NCO-GB stands its benefactors in good stead in the musical world, with Nicola Benedetti and Daniel Harding among its Alumni. The benefits are not only musical but also social, providing these talented children with the opportunity to meet like minded individuals who all share the same love and passion for music.

Music and the performing arts feature prominently in the life of Staines Prep and each year the school runs a programme of concerts and musical plays. The young musician’s talent has been nurtured with the support of the school and of his mother Sarah, who plays the bassoon and piano and is an examiner at The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Peter Beavis, Dylan’s trumpet tutor at Staines Prep School commented “Dylan has been a model pupil who listens intently and works extremely hard. We are very proud that he has been offered a place in this acclaimed orchestra and to have attained Grade 6 in Year 6 is outstanding.”

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