Tadcaster school pupil’s magic flute

2:12pm Thursday 17th July 2008

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THIS Tadcaster student’s skill at playing the flute has earned her a place at a top London college.

Alice Thompson, 18, of Tadcaster Grammar School, will start studying for a music degree at Trinity College Of Music in September “I am very excited about the prospect of going to Trinity College Of Music,” said Alice who has gained one of only three coveted places for flute out of about 70 students who auditioned.

“It is somewhere I have always wanted to go for as long as I can remember.”

Not only has Alice completed A-levels in maths, French and art at Tadcaster Grammar School, but for the past four years, she has also attended the Junior Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where she has studied flute with Jonathan Rimmer, piano with Kathryn Eves and A-level music.

Alice is an accomplished flautist, gaining a distinction at Grade 8 flute at the age 13. She has been a member of the National Youth Orchestra, with whom she has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, was joint principal flute of the Halle Youth Orchestra and principal flute of the Junior RNCM’s Chamber Orchestra and Flute Ensemble.

Alice has regularly performed as a soloist in concerts organised by the Junior RNCM.

On entering the sixth form at Alice established the flute group, Flutewise, which has entertained at school concerts.

Christina Turner, assistant head teacher and fellow member of Flutewise, said: “Alice always has a fantastic positive attitude which inspires all the flute players in the group.”

Alice has also competed in several music festivals. She won the Solo Instrumentalist's Challenge in 2007 at the prestigious Mrs Sutherland Music Festival in Huddersfield and at this year's Junior RNCM's Prizegiving Ceremony she received the John Ellis Memorial Prize.

“We wish Alice every success at Trinity College Of Music,” said Miss Turner. “Not only is Alice an outstanding flautist, but she is a lovely person, has been a role model for other students at Tadcaster Grammar School and thoroughly deserves the recognition and her place in London.”