Haley wins BTS competition

Congratulations to 13 year old Haley M O'Connelley from Durham who is the winner of the BTS National Competition for Young Trombonists 2008.

Haley triumphed in the final at the BTS trombone day in Oundle, Northamptonshire this Sunday. Judges Mark Templeton, Bob Hughes and composer of the test piece Bruce Fraser spoke of the high standard of all three finalists, who had been selected from 25 taped entries of students up to the age of 16 from across the country.

The runners up were Charlie Osborn from Purley and Andrew Savill from Taunton, who impressed many. Bob Hughes said that with high standard and large distances travelled by the finalists it proved that the competition had been hotly contested and truly national.

After a talk from Bruce Fraser about the Greek-inspired piece Hellas, specially written for this competition, each contestant played the test-piece and one of their own choice. Charlie picked Smoke Gets in my Eyes, Haley followed with Panis Angelicus, and Andrew finished with Guilmant's Morceau Symphonique.

As winner, Haley took part in a masterclass given by Mark Templeton during the day, and will receive a trombone lesson from an eminent British trombonist of her choice.

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