The Red Admiral Music Academy has certainly made its mark at the recent National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain annual course, with 13 year old founder member Lewis Barton appointed as principal cornet.

Lewis (top row in centre) has been a proud member of Red Admiral from the first day it was set up four years ago by conductor Daniel Brooks, who was at Repton School in Derbyshire this week to see him in action at the end of course concert.

Great ambassador

He told 4BR: "Lewis is a great ambassador for Reds, and I've had the privilege of seeing him develop into such a promising talent right from the first day of the Academy.

Being appointed principal cornet is testament to his work ethic and commitment as a player and a great boost for us to have a player of his calibre flying the flag for the band."

Musical maturity

At the concert, National Children's Band conductor, Prof Nicholas Childs presented Lewis with a special plaque to commemorate his achievement, and he told 4BR: "Lewis has been a wonderful principal cornet on the course — playing so well and leading his section with musical maturity.

It's obvious he has a real talent for playing the cornet and I look forward to seeing him development as player for many years to come."

The accolade is the latest achievement for Lewis, who is also a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, Elland Silver Band and Elland Silver Youth Band.

It's obvious he has a real talent for playing the cornet and I look forward to seeing him development as player for many years to comeProf Nicholas Childs

Amazing

He told 4BR: "It's been amazing to be appointed principal cornet and to be able to learn from people such as Prof Childs, Richard Marshall and Tom Hutchinson.

I've had fantastic support from Danny Brooks and Ben Jarvis at Red Admiral and I'd like to thank them for all the advice and guidance they've given me to develop my playing."