Jasmin, Year 11, Herefordshire

With a father who is a Musician, I was destined to attempt Music, and therefore 9 years ago, at the age of 7, I started Trumpet lessons

I worked through the ABRSM Trumpet Grade exams and have most recently passed my Grade 6. In my second year of playing I performed with The Hereford Big Band for my first public concert as part of the Trumpet Section, and also played my first Jazz solo.

During that year I also joined Herefordshire Youth Brass Band and Herefordshire Intermediate Concert Band.

In my fourth year of playing I achieved a personal goal and moved up to Herefordshire Youth Concert Band, where my father worked as the Brass and Woodwind Tutor, firstly as Third Trumpet and gradually working my way up to Principal Trumpet within the band.

In the past year I have also joined the Herefordshire Youth Orchestra as Second Trumpet which has inspired a new interest in more classical repertoire.

Herefordshire Youth Music has helped me to grow in confidence and potential with my music career to carry forward into the future.

It has given me the chance to explore my musical knowledge and talents in areas other than the Trumpet.

It has led to me learning the Guitar, Piano and Electric Bass, and to also develop my singing.

A large influence of this has been the Hereford Academy of Rock & Pop which Herefordshire Youth Music run alongside a local Arts College.

It has meant that I could play brass in formal settings and sing Rock and Pop music for recordings and more informal performances. It has been a big change for me, and I enjoy the challenge.

Youth Music has also introduced me to a number of people I class as really close friends, who I would not have met if not for the bands and ensembles.

My musical enjoyment and activities continue into my home and school life. In my High School I play the Last Post each Armistice Day and have received commendations from the Head Teachers of the school for this.

I am involved in the school orchestra as Principal Trumpet, and also the school choir which enables me to continue to develop my singing skills.

Also at school I have been the recipient of ‘The Alston Family Prize for Brass Musician’ each year of my High School career.

I have also found a love of Musical Theatre which again enables me to continue improving as a singer and performer.

At home I continue to practice Trumpet/Cornet & Flugel Horn alongside Piano, Bass and Guitar, whilst also writing my own original songs. I also dabble in recording my own music in a home studio.

The support I get from my dad (a manager within Encore and a professional musician also) and from the staff and teachers within Herefordshire Youth Music has given me a desire to continue my Music beyond my school career, as I wish to continue studying Music formally and progress to a career as a University Lecturer in Music.

I could not achieve these life goals without the support of all I have met and worked with in Encore.