To celebrate the remarkable legacy of our beloved tutor and conductor, Roger Willey, in July Sutton Music Trust launched 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 first Roger Willey Award was presented at our recent Wind Band concert on Tuesday 3rd December. The first recipient – nominated unanimously by the tutors and conductors of the Sutton Youth Training Band (SYTB), Symphonic Band (SYSB), and Wind Orchestra (SYWO) – was Michael, who plays trombone in SYWO.
Michael’s journey through the Music Trust began in 2018 when he joined SYTB as a young musician. Since then, he has flourished, entering the annual Young Musician of the Year competition and mentoring younger students.
I began learning the trombone in 2018. I was taught by Roger in a small group class at school. Roger inspired me to keep on playing and I fell in love with the instrument. I then continued lessons with him through Sutton Music Trust from 2019, and he encouraged me to join the Training Band at the same time. I then progressed to Wind Orchestra the following year, and I have been a member ever since then.
Being taught by Roger positively impacted my life. He encouraged me to not only push myself but also have fun with the instrument. Now music plays a large role in my life. I have played in many ensembles and made many friends through my musical experiences. I hope that music continues to play a large role in my life in the future.
– Michael, winner of the first Roger Willey Award
Michael has chosen to put the grant towards his trombone lessons and ensemble membership for the remainder of the academic year.
My son recently won the prestigious Roger Wiley award which not only recognised his talent and hard work but also provided him valuable support in using the award money in paying for his music lessons. This award has been instrumental in helping him pursue his passion for music.
– Michael’s Mum
Thank you to The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton Councillor Colin Stears for presenting the award.
Find out more and how to support us:
If you would like to donate to the Roger Willey Award to secure its future for young brass players, please click here.
To find out about our ensembles, click here.
To find out about instrumental or vocal lessons at our Music Academy, click here.
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