Many congratulations to Lucy in Year 12. Not only has she secured a place in the second round of the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) auditions on her oboe, she has also just received the Bristol ‘City Waits’ Award.

The Bristol ‘City Waits’ Award recognises outstanding achievement in music and reflects a commitment to music making in the city of Bristol. Lucy’s talent and dedication has been recognised with a cheque of £1,000 (which she intends to put towards a new oboe) and invitations to perform at high profile events across the city.

The NYO selects musicians from across the UK and the Channel Islands and the audition process is extremely tough. It is phenomenally difficult to get into the NYO on any instrument – you have to be an exceptional performer between the ages of 13 and 18 – but it is particularly difficult on instruments such as the oboe when only three to four players are required.

Speaking of Lucy’s success, Redmaids' High Director of Music Mrs Killick, said, “These are tremendous achievements and we are all very proud of Lucy. She is a dedicated and technically assured musician who works hard both in her lessons, and in her practice.”