How did you get into your subject?
I was 7 when I began playing, my first teacher, Huw Jones, was a brass teacher at my Mum’s school and a family friend, and he gave me a cornet. He then started teaching me, as my dad complained that I sounded like an elephant that needed taming! From there, I continued my journey, taking lessons from Peter Greenway at primary school and from Steve Stuart at secondary school. In year 8, I joined the Pembrokeshire music service ensembles. During COVID, I was lucky that my teacher at the time was set up for online teaching, and I continued having lessons and being part of online ensembles throughout. At 13, I auditioned for the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, not expecting to be accepted, but I was thrilled when I did! I then progressed the next year into the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Alongside this, I played for Pontarddulais Town Band and then the Goodwick Brass Band. At 16, I auditioned for the National Youth Orchestra on trumpet and completed 6 courses with them, including 3 BBC Proms and 1 as principal trumpet. I am currently a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and study at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
What does it involve?
Music has become a huge part of my life, and I spend several hours every day practising. Alongside my academic studies at the Academy, I am travelling extensively, including once a week from London to Treorchy to be a member of the Cory Band. My studies at the Academy include theoretical classes, technical studies and performance classes. Being a member of the National Youth Brass Band and Orchestra of Wales involves courses and a concert tour throughout the summer holidays.
What are your goals?
My short-term aspirations would be to become principal trumpet on the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, to pass my first year at the Academy with good marks and to perform well at the Welsh Area Brass Band Championships. My long-term goals are to complete my degree to a very high standard and to get a job performing with a world-renowned orchestra. I envision my future working professionally in this field.
How will this sponsorship support you?
This sponsorship will contribute to the course fees for the National Youth Brass Band and Orchestra of Wales, ensuring I gain experience playing at the highest level of youth music. It will aid me to purchase equipment such as music, instruments and a mouthpiece and will help to support my travel expenses.
Timeline for upcoming events
Below is a list of my current engagements until 31st August, however dates for next terms projects and concerts in the Academy have not been confirmed.
- March 1st – Cory Band concert, Regent Hall
- March 6th – Symphonic Brass Royal Academy of Music concert
- March 15th – Welsh Area Brass Band Championships
- March 28th – National Youth Brass Band Championships as alumni of the Pembrokeshire music service
- July 1st – National Youth Orchestra of Wales concert, Brangwyn Hall
- July 20th – National Youth Orchestra of Wales course
- July 29th – National Youth Orchestra of Wales concert, St Asaph’s Cathedral
- July 31st – National Youth Orchestra of Wales concert, St David’s Cathedral
- August 2nd – National Eisteddfod North Pembrokeshire
- August 15th – National Youth Brass Band of Wales course
- 3x concert dates and locations TBC
