A WINCHESTER schoolboy has won a place in the prestigious National Youth Orchestra - aged just 14.

Trombonist Nye Bayley successfully auditioned for the elite ensemble, celebrated as 'the world's greatest orchestra of teenagers'.

The Year 10 student - from Harestock - went through two tough selection rounds including an all-day session at Chetham's Music School in Manchester.

Applicants to the NYO have to be of a minimum Grade 8 distinction standard in their instrument and previous alumni include celebrated conductor Sir Simon Rattle, trumpeter Alison Balsom and organist Anna Lapwood.

Hampshire Chronicle: Nye Bayley

Musicians from across the country auditioned and Nye found himself competing with sixth form brass players, who were several years ahead of him, to become one of just eight trombonists in the renowned orchestra.

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The GCSE student, an academic and music scholar at Winchester College, will now join 157 of the country's best young musicians in a 11 month programme of performances, residential courses and courses designed to inspire other budding artists.

He said: "I am hugely honoured to have been awarded this place and can't wait to start collaborating with these fantastic musicians and playing in some of the most famous venues in the world ."

Nye - previously a pupil at Winchester's Pilgrims' School - also achieved Grade 8 Distinction in Orchestral Percussion aged just 11 as well as a 9 in GCSE Music aged 12.

He was a member of the Royal College of Music (RCM) Junior Department in London for two and a half years under the guidance of trombonist Ruth Molins.

Since joining Winchester College he has been taught by head of wind, brass and percussion Tom Barton.

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Mr Barton said: “Nye is a shining example of a Music Award Holder at Winchester College and his commitment to diligent early morning practice and music ensembles have enabled him to take his dreams to the highest level. 

"The competition for places is fierce, with many applicants in their final year of school, which makes Nye’s success at the beginning of Year 10 even more exciting.”

In 2024 NYO will perform in three concert tours across the country, from Liverpool to London, Saffron Walden to Manchester.

Members of the orchestra will work with more than 1,000 musicians through the NYO Inspire programme and reach many more teenagers through NYO Open projects with partners across the music education sector.