Recently James Ashby was accepted into the cello section of the NZ Secondary School’s Orchestra. Entry is by audition, drawing from New Zealand’s top secondary school orchestral instrumentalists, and is highly competitive with limited places on offer.

This is an annual event where successful applicants have the opportunity to represent their school in a full-size orchestra. The course is widely regarded as a significant training ground for young players aspiring to membership of the New Zealand Youth Orchestra and ultimately to a career as a professional musician.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid19 Lockdown the course has been cancelled for 2020. Nonetheless, we congratulate James on his highly significant achievement of being selected at a national level.

Article added: Wednesday 10 June 2020