LOCAL young musicians, learning with Jo Weaving LWCMD, have had a lot to celebrate in recent months.

Caitlin Ellis, Tabitha Hughes, Leah Hadley, Isobelle Lambert, Olivia Kauhnoven, Jemima Whiffen, Benedict Griffin and Jack Ollier all took part in the South Glamorgan Festival for Young Musicians in Cardiff. All embraced the experience and performed brilliantly. Olivia was awarded 3rd place in the Yr 6 (a) piano class, Jack Ollier was awarded 2nd place in the Yr 6 (b) piano class. Benedict Griffin came 3rd in the Junior Woodwind on the descant recorder while Jack Ollier won the Junior Woodwind performing on both the descant recorder and the clarinet. Jack was then invited to play at the Festival Gala Concert. Elysia Hickery and Jack Ollier have successfully auditioned for the County High School Orchestra. They start rehearsals in September with their first concert in December. Past student, Sara Ghazi-Torbati has successfully completed a PGCE and has a full time teaching job starting in September.

Many students have also taken and passed a variety of ABRSM examinations. Caitlin Ellis sat her piano prep test. A pass was awarded to Elysia Hickery for grade 5 clarinet. Merits were awarded to Isobelle Lambert for grade 1 piano, Tabitha Hughes for grade 2 piano, Ryan Hopkins for grade 3 piano, Samuel Griffin for grade 3 theory, Oliver Bartlett for grade 5 theory, Amy Hickery for grade 5 piano, Jack Ollier for grade 5 piano and to Kate Griffin for grade 7 piano. Distinctions were awarded to Amy Hickery for grade 5 theory, Benedict Griffin for grade 1 recorder and to Jack Ollier for grade 5 theory.

Jack is also attending the Junior Jazz Summer School at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, in August, for the fourth year running and will be performing at the Brecon Jazz Festival, again, for the fourth year running.