MEMBERS of Tavistock Orchestra are celebrating after learning that their principal trumpet player, Jennifer Boase, has been awarded a place at Birmingham Conservatoire.

There was stiff competition with approximately 40 players auditioning for about four places. Not only was she successful in gaining a place, but she so impressed the audition panel with her performance that she was also awarded a scholarship.

Jennifer is excited to be taking up this position where she will receive tuition from top class performers, some of whom play with the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. She will also have the opportunity to play in the Conservatoire's own orchestra, which will extend her knowledge and repertoire.

She will leave Tavistock Orchestra in September to take up her place, but promises to come back and play.

Jennifer started playing the cornet in 2003, when her father took over conducting the Callington town band.

Within two years she progressed to take her Grade three cornet exam, which she passed with merit, and at the age of ten she became Cornwall Youth Brass Band's youngest member. She has also sat as the solo cornet in Liskeard Silver Band and the Cornwall Youth Brass Band.

Jennifer found that though she enjoyed the brass band world and the music, she preferred the full orchestral sound and so transferred to trumpet, passing her grade eight with distinction in March last year.

Earlier this year she also auditioned for a place with the National Youth Wind Orchestra, and again was successful. Later in the year she will travel to Switzerland, where she will represent the talented musical youth of this country. She is currently being tutored by Paul Denegri, head of brass at Wells Cathedral School.

The musical director of Tavistock Orchestra, Mel Orriss, said: 'I'm sure the whole Orchestra would like to wish Jennifer all the best in the next stage of her musical development.

'It's been a great pleasure to have her on board, and she will be greatly missed.'

Tavistock Orchestra welcomes any keen players of approximately Grade five and above to their fortnightly rehearsals.

For more information contact Mel Orriss at [email protected]">[email protected] or Sally Humphries at [email protected]">[email protected]