Young trombonist Rhiannon Symonds, 12, has recently received two high profile awards for her playing.

Two awards

Rhiannon was awarded an EMI Music Sound Foundation scholarship and the Robert Lewin Scholarship from the organisation 'Awards for Young Musicians' (AYM), following a highly competitive day of tough auditions in London.

The EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity which aims to improve young peoples' access to music education, whilst the AYM's Awards Programme gives grants of up to £2,000 each year to exceptionally talented young musicians aged between 5 and 17.

Rhiannon should be very proud of the achievement in gaining an awardHester Cockcroft, AYM's Director

Four years

Rhiannon is a year 8 pupil at Haberdasher’s Monmouth School for Girls and has been playing the trombone for just over 4 years.

In April 2010 became the youngest person in the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales, and she hopes to use the awards to purchase a new trombone from Michael Rath, who very kindly allowed Rhiannon to visit their factory to see the instruments being made.

Hester Cockcroft, AYM's Director told 4BR: "Rhiannon should be very proud of the achievement in gaining an award. Music is central to most people's lives and talented young people like Rhiannon live and breathe music. We're here to help them fulfil their potential and hope our support will help Rhiannon embark on a lifetime of musical discovery and achievement."

Multiple member

Rhiannon, who lives in Yorkley in the Forest of Dean is a member of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales, National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, Greater Gwent Youth Orchestra, Greater Gwent Youth Symphonic Winds, Greater Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra and Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band.