Teacher's praise for talented musical sisters

Talented pair Hannah (left) and Ruby

A school's head of music has praised two musical sisters for winning places in a prestigious orchestra.

Cellist Ruby Whitehead, who is a Year 10 pupil, and her sister Hannah, a Year 7 pupil and double bassist in a talented team at Saddleworth School, have both been chosen to play in the Nichola Benedetti Foundation Orchestra.

The school’s curriculum leader  of music, Garrath Beckwith, said: "An opportunity for these hugely talented young string players to play with demanding orchestral music came at the weekend.

"The initiative was supported and spearheaded by world famous British violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti.

“Hannah and Ruby joined 200 other musicians to be coached by some of the finest string mentors in the land, including Leonard Elschenbroich (conductor), alongside tutors Andrea Gajic, Clifton Harrison, Sarah Ayoub and Stewart Wilson.

"Hannah, in her group, worked with Jon Trim, Laura Ayoub, Ruth Nelson, Rozzie Curlett and Jo Bradley.  

“And there is further cause for celebration during this February half term because Ruby and Hannah will also represent the Saddleworth school musical community and the North of England in National Youth music ensembles.  

"Ruby will join the National Youth Orchestra Inspire Orchestra for a three-day orchestral course this half term and attend NYO sessions during the Easter holidays, while Hannah has been accepted onto the week-long National Schools Symphony Orchestra course this Easter.”

Hannah has also been accepted on the National Children's Orchestra Projects programme for the second year running and regularly attends the Young Basses sessions at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Mr Beckwith added: “We couldn’t be prouder of Hannah and Ruby - their dedication, hard work and commitment to their musical studies is absolutely exemplary and the music department of Saddleworth School could not be prouder of their outstanding musical achievements.

"Long may this wonderful music making continue for both girls - a huge congratulations to them both.”

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