Congratulations to Arran Hope for being selected to play in the under 12s National Children's Orchestra.  Arran,10, was selected for his talented violin skills despite having played the instrument for only 1 1/2 years.  He has also recently taken up the viola and plays the piano. Arran plays in the school String Orchestra and is a member of the Saturday morning music club.  

To be picked, Arran had to enter an NCO audition (June 1) which involves playing two pieces and two pieces of sight-reading and he has been accepted into the National Children’s Orchestra Under 12s playing Viola. He will be playing in the NCO regional orchestra, will attend a summer school in Yorkshire this August and will be playing in the 30 ^th Anniversary concert on August 31 in the Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Arran is thrilled to have been picked  “ I am really pleased to have been accepted into the Under 12s NCO orchestra, especially as I had only been playing the viola for such a short time. I am looking forward to playing with them over the summer and especially in the Birmingham Symphony Hall for the 30 ^th anniversary concert, that is going to be very exciting. "

Congratulations also to former Northbourne student Rachel Azulay who has also been selected for the orchestra. The children will be featured in the local press next week.

Big thanks are also due to Northbourne Park music teacher Faith Whitely who has inspired and helped both children to their achievements.