From picking up a cornet in Year 3 in The Elms to performing at the BBC Proms playing trumpet, Trent College student Louis reflects on a year that has shaped his ambitions as a young musician.
For Louis, the journey into music began at The Elms, where he first picked up the cornet in Year 3. Several years later, that early introduction has developed into opportunities to perform alongside some of the country’s most talented young musicians as part of the National Youth Orchestra playing trumpet.
The experience has taken him beyond the concert hall too, giving him the chance to work with aspiring musicians from schools across the country and gain a broader understanding of life as a young performer.
“Playing in the National Youth Orchestra this year has given me some incredible opportunities, not only in performance, but also in working with other young and aspiring musicians and students.”
One of the defining moments of the year came at the BBC Proms, an experience that brought together the scale, history and atmosphere of one of the UK’s most celebrated musical events.
“My favourite part of playing BBC Proms was definitely performing at a venue with so much history, to a hugely appreciative audience of almost 6,000 people.”
Back at Trent, the support of the Music School has remained an important part of his development, with teachers providing guidance throughout his time at the school.
“The advice I have been given from the music teachers at Trent over the past few years has been invaluable.”
His experiences with the National Youth Orchestra have also shaped the way he approaches music here at Trent. Working alongside younger musicians has helped him develop new ways of communicating and building relationships with younger pupils, both within the Music School and across the wider school community.
Looking ahead, Louis has plenty to build on.
“My experience this year has reinforced my ambition to apply to conservatoire and to pursue a career in music.”
From those first cornet lessons at The Elms to the stage of the BBC Proms playing trumpet, Louis has already travelled a considerable distance as a young musician. His next chapter could take him considerably further, and we’re sure it will.