The world-renowned BBC Proms has once again this year featured musicians from The Sixth Form College Farnborough. Second year music scholars Ellie Mackie and Chris Brewster performed as members of The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Europe’s most highly regarded orchestra for young people in Prom 31, recorded for BBC television. The students played under the baton of Mark Elder, one of the world’s foremost conductors, tackling a typically challenging repertoire that included Mahler’s epic Ninth Symphony.

Speaking on her return to College, music scholar and bassoonist Ellie Mackie said, "working with Mark Elder was an amazing experience. The intensity of rehearsals was akin to working in the profession and, in that way, has been extremely beneficial."

Fellow scholar Chris Brewster (Trombone) was full of praise saying, "preparing for and playing in the Proms was invaluable in showing me what it is like to be a professional musician. Performing on television is such an exclusive opportunity and it was a truly great experience."

Curriculum Manager Harry White was full of praise for the students. "Performing at a venue such as the Royal Albert Hall in front of television cameras can be a testing experience for even the most experienced of professionals. Given this, the maturity, musicality and courage of the students’ reading of a composer such as Mahler was even more impressive. Through the music scholarship programme the College has enjoyed a long and proud association with the NYO going back many years. The students’ performance is yet another illustration of the wealth of talent we have here in Farnborough and we are extremely proud of them."