The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme is designed to celebrate the achievements of young people aged 11 to 25 and to inspire them to take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society.
Meg Diamond
Meg has worked really hard and with a tremendous amount of passion for her flute playing. The Jack Petchey award panel were very pleased to give this prize to Meg as she has demonstrated that with hard work, with love of playing music and passion, high levels can be achieved.Meg wants to buy the band some new music with the fund that comes with her award. Each piece costs in the region of £100, so her award will buy two new band arrangements. We are really pleased that the Jack Petchey Award has given the young musicians more involvement in the music they play.
Alice Dougal
Alice Dougal had a dream that she wanted to play in the 51st State band when she was only seven years old. Alice had severe learning difficulties and, while learning a musical instrument would have been too much for many, Alice has been true to her dream and has become a wonderful and clarinet player and a reliable mentor to the younger players. With her Jack Petchey Award, Alice chose to help fund equipment for the percussion section with her award money. The band is currently playing a lot of jazz and, in particular, music by Steely Dan, so having a strong percussion section really supports everybody and makes the music sound so authentic.
Leon Osborne
Leon was given the Jack Petchey award for showing great tenacity in his own achievements as a clarinet player. He is also is very giving in his attitude to others and in his contribution to the band’s younger members.
With the money that he was given as part of his award, Leon wants to buy some new music for the band. He was suggesting Stevie Wonder who has written some great and challenging tunes.
Several members of the 51st State Band had been fortunate to receive the Jack Petchey Award over the last few years. Click for previous award winners.
.