Talented young musicians from Rugby pass prestigious auditions to become part of national brass band

Two talented young musicians from the Crescent School in Bilton are celebrating after successfully auditioning for the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain.

Alyssa Barnett plays the cornet while Charlotte Corbin the trombone - both have been taking lessons at school since they were seven years old and are stalwarts of the school orchestra and brass group.

Both also play for Rugby’s Bilton Silver Training Band.

The girls auditioned for the prestigious National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain last October.

With the restrictions of the pandemic, they had to pre-record their audition pieces but play their scales and take the sight-reading test on a Zoom call.

It was a nerve-wracking experience so they were especially delighted when they received the exciting news that they had been selected.

Julie Barnes, Crescent School’s director of Music, said: “This is a huge achievement for Alyssa and Charlotte and we are delighted and very proud of them.

"Both girls have worked very hard in preparation for this and thoroughly deserve their places in the band.”

As part of National Children’s Brass Band, the girls will attend an intensive residential course in the summer holidays where they will get to play with the very best brass players in the country.