Jamie hits the right note to secure place in national orchestra

WHEN he first played the trombone the sound it created struck a chord with Jamie Reid.

Now – despite having only picked up the instrument four years ago – the 17-year-old has secured a place in the National Youth Orchestra.

It will mean he takes part in three residences alongside some of the UK’s most talented young musicians as well as perform in concerts around the country.

“It was the second year that I auditioned for the orchestra, but the first time I tried for two different instruments and didn’t get in,” said Jamie, who is a Music student at Priestley College.

“This year I just went for trombone and was much more focussed, which helped me a lot. I will be getting lots of good experiences and will learn so much just by being around a lot of performers who are at the top of their game.”

By securing a place with the orchestra, Jamie has completed a treble of national achievements that also includes a place in the National Children’s Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

He can now look forward to performing in concert halls around the country and helping with the orchestra’s outreach programme, NYO Inspire.

Jamie’s A-Level music teacher at Priestley College, Chris Dodd, said his talent was obvious.

“Jamie has already performed many times for the college community and his passion for music really does shine through every time,” he said.

It is a passion that started young. His career on cello began with the Warrington Youth Orchestra when he was just seven-years-old and then he also picked up the euphonium.

However, there is no place for a euphonium in an orchestra so when Jamie decided he wanted to become a professional musician a change in instrument was required.

“Even though it is the third instrument I’ve learned it is the one I am pursuing,” said Jamie, a former pupil at Lymm High. “I love the sound and the uniqueness of the trombone.”

The National Youth Orchestra believes in inspiring its members with a sense of personal responsibility for giving world-class performances.

Composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies once said the quality of any orchestra is enhanced by former NYO musicians.

For Jamie, who studies A-Levels in German and Politics alongside Music at Priestley College, being a part of the orchestra will set him on the road to success.

Next stop, he hopes, is to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London next year.

“I think talent gets you so far, but there comes a point where the only way of improving is hard work and I am prepared to put the time in to achieve my goals,” he said.

Upcoming Events

The Chamber in partnership with Warrington Business Exchange provide a range of business-to-business events that offer networking and business development opportunities. Most are held in the Warrington area, with occasional events taking place across the region and run in partnership with neighbouring Chambers of Commerce.

 

   What’s On? | Warrington & Co Business Exchange (wbex.co.uk)