Zack's on note with National Youth Orchestra of Wales

Year 13 learner, Zack Wilkins, has been accepted on to the prestigious Young Composers Course which is organised by the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. 

Zack will be attending the residency at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter,  before the “Nash” go on their annual tour of Wales, with one concert dedicated to the music written by the Young Composers.  This is the fifth year that the composers course has run, with only 6 applicants selected annually, with an age range of 15 to 21.

On the course, Zack will receive tuition in compositional techniques, instrumental writing and analysis of existing repertoire, all delivered by Mark Bowden (former Composer in Residence with BBC NOW).  The National Youth Orchestra of Wales consists of young people aged from 14 to 21 from Wales, with many already studying Music at Universities or Conservatoires across the UK and Europe.

Zack, who is hoping to study Music at University next year,  is very excited by the prospect. “I have always enjoyed performing and playing the piano but it is only in the Sixth Form that I have really got into composing music.  I can’t wait to have the opportunity to work with members of the world’s first ever youth orchestra and I am sure that this is something that will help me a great deal at university.”

Curriculum leader for Music, Mr Chris Williams also commented.  “It is great to see Zack being accepted on to this and just shows how far he has developed his compositional skills during the Sixth Form.  Zack has grasped lots of opportunities and experiences to develop as a musician over the last two years, from becoming a choral scholar in St John’s Church, Llandudno to also taking Grade 6 Vocal and Music Theory exams. He is a great example of the school’s motto “Dare to Achieve” and we all wish him well on the course.”