STUDENTS have hit a high note in their musical careers after getting the chance to play in the magnificent surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall in London.
The group from Trinity Academy, in Thorne, were selected along with other students of a high musical standard to take part in the Music for Youth Proms.
Guitarists James-Daniel Baines, Billy Astill, Macey Teo and Jackson McIntyre, pianists Leon Chen and Heather Phillipson, and drummer Harry Phillipson were put forward by music teacher Susan Shepherd in the summer.
The students took part in a series of rehearsals organised by Doncaster Music Education Hub before the event.
In London, they joined around 50 musicians and 150 singers from the Doncaster area to perform ‘Jazz Journeys’, an original composition created by acclaimed Sheffield-based composer Chris Noble and Doncaster Trombonist Dennis Rollins, with input from the young people.
In total around 700 young people from the four South Yorkshire Music Education Hubs took part, performing before an audience of 6,000 people.
Macey said: “Our ensemble looked to be the youngest but I think we were really good.”
Leon added: “We got to play different styles of jazz including groove, bossa, funk and boogaloo, which was great.”
Billy added: “The acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall were phenomenal and there was a really good atmosphere.”
Mrs Shepherd said: “All the musicians we put forward play to a very high standard and are very dedicated to their music, with James-Daniel and Harry currently studying it at A Level and all of them contributing to academy events.
“I believe this is the first time the academy has taken part in the Music for Youth Proms and it was a great honour and opportunity for our students to be invited to play.”
Paul Davies, Music Hub manager, added: “Twelve months of rehearsals and planning was well rewarded with a truly spectacular musical showcase. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the young musicians/singers and their parents/teachers and our Music Hub partners from South Yorkshire for supporting this momentous achievement.”