A YOUNG singer’s musical career will hit a crescendo when she performs a solo before an audience of 1,000 people at a leading music venue.
Barnard Castle School chorister Mila Johnson will sing with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, at the Sage, Gateshead, after successfully auditioning for the solo.
She will perform Walking in the Air, to accompany the screening of The Snowman, written by Howard Blake for the classic 1982 animation based on Raymond Briggs’ 1978 children's book.
Mila has been singing in perfect pitch since she was three-years-old. She developed her talent throughout her time at Barnard Castle Preparatory School and continued in Senior School where she is now a member of the Chapel and Chamber Choirs, gaining a distinction at grade 5. She is also working towards her grade 5 in saxophone.
The Year 10 student was alerted to the Royal Northern Sinfonia auditions by the school’s director of music Richard Dawson.
“I then went to the Sage for an audition in its music studio, which was petrifying,” said Mila, of Lartington.
“I’d sung the song before as one of my grades and the audition was fun and a great experience. But I came away thinking I didn’t stand a chance – then I got an email saying that I’d got it. Mr Dawson and my parents were over the moon.
“I sing solos in choir and have performed in the Bowes Museum. I have also performed with school at the Sage but never a solo there. It is going to be such good fun. I tend to be a bit nervous before I start but as soon as I begin singing I just go with the flow.
“I practise every day and enjoy singing everything from country to classical. I’m told I have a good range, which I’ll need for this song as it does go very high. It is amazing to be able to sing at the Sage and I can’t believe this is happening.”
Mr Dawson said: “Mila has a wonderful voice and when she performs is stunning. To be selected to sing the main solo at this event is a huge achievement and we are absolutely thrilled for her.”
Mila will perform twice, on December 22 and 24.
The 14-year-old plans to stay at Barnard Castle School for sixth form and keep singing and playing the saxophone as a hobby.
“I really want to study law and be a barrister one day – probably because I am good at arguing,” she said.
