Saxophonist Lewis given Royal Schools' honour

An 11-year-old Ivybridge Community College student earned the opportunity to perform at one of the UK’s most well-regarded concerts for young music students.

Lewis Allen-Waldron, a dedicated musician who started playing the saxophone at Woodlands Primary School at the age of seven, was selected by the Associated Board of The Royal School of Music to perform in its High Achievers’ Concert.

The honour followed on from Lewis’s Grade 5 Alto Saxophone exam, which he passed in December 2013 with a Distinction.

“I was very pleased when I found out,” said Lewis, who practises music for at least seven hours each week. “I received a letter that said I’d been selected and it was a complete surprise, until then I had no idea that the concert even existed.”

Lewis’ High Achievers’ concert took place at St Lawrence Chapel in Ashburton, the regional home of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music examinations, on 15 February. It was the first concert of its kind to take place in the South West for almost two years.

“My goal is to learn to play many more instruments, and when I’m older I would love my job to involve playing music,” added Lewis, who has also recently passed his Grade 5 clarinet exam and plays the piano too”.

Lewis is taught the saxophone at Ivybridge Community College by peripatetic music teacher Lucy Annetts. He is also a member of the College’s Wind Band, Big Band, Saxophone Ensemble and Bridge Band.

“This is a great honour for Lewis,” said Lucy, “and a reflection of his talent and dedication. To be a professional musician you have to be the best of the best, and being chosen for such a prestigious concert is a huge step in the right direction.”