Exeter School pupil selected for South West Youth Orchestra

Exeter School Year 11 pupil Verity Stroud who has been offered a place in the South West Youth Orchestra for both bassoon and contra bassoon.

The residential course runs in August at Dean Close School, in Cheltenham, and the finale concert will be held at Cheltenham Town Hall.

The repertoire they are performing is Benjamin Britten's famous "Four Sea Interludes" and three classics by Maurice Ravel (Rapsodie Espagnole, Alborada del Gracioso and Bolero).

The actual orchestra is supported by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conducted by BSO Leverhulme Young Conductor in Association Frank Zielhorst.

Director of Music Mr Tamblyn said: "Verity is one of our star musicians, having achieved Grade VIII in two instruments already, in Year 11, the other being the piano.

"She is one of the pillars of the department, also playing bass in Swunk, and has sung a number of her own songs with the band The Fifth String.

“Despite all this success, she is modest about her achievements, and has perhaps the most explosive laugh in the whole department."