Royal Hospital School Pupils Celebrate Outstanding Musical Achievements

The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Ipswich, is delighted to announce two extraordinary accomplishments by its young Music Scholars, Beau Lloyd (Year 11) and Joshua Burgess (Year 8), who have reached remarkable achievements in their musical journeys. Beau, a multi-instrumentalist Music Scholar, has achieved an excellent milestone by becoming the youngest musician selected for the National Youth Jazz Collective (NYJC) Summer Short Course 2024 at just 15 years old. Year 8 Music Scholar pupil Joshua, won the prestigious Peta Martin Award from Young Sounds UK.

Beau impressed the Royal Academy of Music’s audition panel, achieving a place among 27 talented young jazz musicians from across the UK. His musical journey began at the age of eight, with saxophone as his primary instrument, alongside piano and violin studies at Junior Guildhall. At RHS, Beau has flourished under the mentorship of the school’s expert music faculty, particularly Mr Wybrow, who was instrumental (pun intended) in preparing him for his NYJC audition.

Beau’s achievement is particularly commendable given the rigorous nature of the audition, which coincided with his Year 10 GCSE mock exams.

Here’s what Issie Barratt, Founding Executive Artistic Director of NYJC, had to say about Beau’s talent in her written feedback: ‘It was great to meet you and wonderful to hear you play – what a treat! The audition panel recognised your clear commitment to the idiom and identified that you are already an accomplished instrumentalist.’

Reflecting on his experiences as an RHS Music Scholar, Beau shared: ‘Being a Music Scholar at RHS means so much to me. Not only do I have access to an outstanding Music School and wonderful teachers, but I also benefit from incredible support and opportunities both inside and outside of school. Mr Allen and Mr Martineau are always encouraging me and celebrating my performances.’

Adding to RHS’s musical success, Joshua, a Year 8 drum and orchestral percussion Music Scholar, has been awarded the prestigious Peta Martin Award by Young Sounds UK. This accolade earned him an exclusive invitation to an Orchestral Experience Day at the iconic BBC Maida Vale Studios in London on Sunday, 10th November.

During the experience, Joshua participated in a workshop with professional musicians from the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. The day culminated in a live performance of orchestral music, including Music, Spread Thy Voice, a 2022 composition by Dame Judith Weir, the former Master of the King’s Music.

Dame Judith Weir herself attended the event, which marked only the third performance of her piece and the first live recording of this extraordinary work.

Joshua’s involvement in this high-profile event highlights his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. His success serves as an inspiration to the RHS community, showcasing the incredible opportunities available to young musicians through hard work and commitment.

‘We are incredibly proud of Beau and Joshua for their outstanding achievements,’ says Edward Allen, Director of Music at RHS. ‘Their success is a testament to their hard work, passion, and dedication, as well as the exceptional opportunities and support provided by the RHS Music Department. They exemplify what can be achieved when talent is nurtured in a supportive and inspiring environment.’