*
banner

Close ambition for Symonds

14 year old trombonist Rhiannon Symonds takes runner up prize at prestigious AXA Awards.

Symonds
 

14 year old trombonist Rhiannon Symonds, has been named as runner-up in the Arts Category of the inaugural 2011 Ambition AXA Awards.

Talent

As previously reported on 4BR, the Awards were launched in March to help support talented, ambitious and dedicated 11 to 18-year-olds in the fields of sport, enterprise, science, the arts, and the community.

Over 15,000 young people applied for the awards with the Arts category receiving the most applications.

Voting response

Thanks to a wonderful voting response, including many readers of 4BR, Rhiannon was one of the three finalists at the recent star-studded Gala Awards Ceremony hosted by Carol Vorderman at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Alex James, former bass guitarist of pop group Blur, Laura Gander-Howe, Director, Learning & Skills Strategy at The Arts Council England; Amanda Blanc, Chief Executive AXA Commercial Lines and former Head teacher and Chairman of the judges, Sir Alan Steer were given the task of picking the eventual winner.

Amzing experience

Rhiannon told 4BR: "It’s been an amazing experience from start to finish. I’m certainly not disappointed as all the finalists were winners in so many ways. Everyone is so dedicated to what they do that anyone could have won."

She added: "I felt really privileged to have made it to the final and had a fantastic evening and in the really posh hotel they put us up in! Meeting Carol Vorderman, Karen Brady, Jason Bradbury from the Gadget Show and Alex James was incredible too. Thank you so much for everyone who voted for me to help get me into the Final."

I felt really privileged to have made it to the final and had a fantastic evening and in the really posh hotel they put us up in!Rhiannon Symonds

New success

Rhiannon's recent success doesn't stop there.

Following an intense few weeks of competitive auditions she has been offered places in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd