To celebrate the remarkable legacy of our beloved tutor and conductor, Roger Willey, Sutton Music Trust awards the Roger Willey Award for Promising Young Brass Players. Musicians in Year 7 upwards who attend a Sutton Music Trust wind band are eligible, and the winner receives a plaque and a £500 grant towards their studies.
The second Roger Willey Award was presented at our recent Wind Band concert on Tuesday 2nd December. The recipient – nominated unanimously by the tutors and conductors of the Sutton Youth Training Band (SYTB), Symphonic Band (SYSB), and Wind Orchestra (SYWO) – was Ethan, who plays the Euphonium in SYWO.
Ethan’s journey through the Music Trust began in June 2022, when he joined SYWO as a young musician. Since then, he has grown in confidence and ability. Tutors described Ethan as a “reliable and supportive player”, who showed excellent attendance and commitment to SYWO and SMT.
Ethan has chosen to put the grant towards ensemble membership for the remainder of the year.
This award has really motivated him to continue practicing music and putting 100% effort in orchestra. This grant has allowed me to support my child financially for him to continue playing music in the orchestra.
Thank you to The Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton Councillor Cumar Sahathevan for presenting the award.
