I am Kylia, a Fourth Form pupil at Oundle and a harpist who has been playing the harp since I was seven. Over the past two years, I have been honoured to be selected as part of the harp section for the National Youth Orchestra (NYO). Auditioning for NYO was a nerve-wracking experience, as it felt like a huge milestone in my musical journey. NYO is an extraordinary organization that gathers the most talented young musicians from across the UK, united by their passion for music. Being chosen was a moment of immense pride for me, especially I achieved this at my first attempt—it meant I could contribute to this exceptional orchestra and share my love for music with like-minded individuals who inspire me to grow every day.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my time with NYO was performing at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms. Walking into the hall for the first time was awe-inspiring; the grandeur of the venue, steeped in history, made me feel part of something far greater than myself. When the performance began, I was initially nervous, but as the music unfolded, I became immersed in the shared energy of the orchestra and the audience. Every note felt alive in that space, and I could sense how the harp’s unique voice added to the texture of the music. As the conductor guided us, the connection within the orchestra felt almost magical, as if we were breathing as one. I remember the applause at the end—it was thunderous and electrifying, a moment that felt like a culmination of all the hard work, passion and dedication we had poured into the music. Performing in the BBC Proms taught me the power of music to create bonds across performers and listeners, and it reinforced my determination to keep pursuing my musical dreams.
Balancing music practice with the busy schedule at Oundle has been a challenge, but it’s one that has helped me grow. Managing my time to ensure I can fit in rehearsals, practice and schoolwork has taught me self-discipline and resilience. These skills have shaped me not just as a musician but as an individual, preparing me for challenges in any area of life.
Being part of NYO has also strengthened my skills in collaboration, leadership and communication. Working with such talented young musicians has been both humbling and inspiring. It’s a privilege to learn from them and to contribute to an ensemble where every individual plays a crucial role. These experiences have instilled in me the confidence to express my enthusiasm for music, foster connections with others and to inspire the next generation of musicians.
"Balancing music practice with the busy schedule at Oundle has been a challenge, but it’s one that has helped me grow. Managing my time to ensure I can fit in rehearsals, practice and schoolwork has taught me self-discipline and resilience. These skills have shaped me not just as a musician but as an individual, preparing me for challenges in any area of life."
The skills and confidence I gained at NYO played a crucial role in my achievement as the Overall Winner at the Nottingham Youth Musician of the Year in January 2024. Throughout the three rounds of this highly competitive event, which featured various string classes, age groups and instrument categories, I encountered many talented musicians, including Kanneh-Mason. The adjudicator recognized my performance for its consistency, exceptional phrasing, heartfelt expression and particularly for the strong connection I established with the audience. Additionally, NYO further intensified my enthusiasm for music, culminating in a second prize at the IV Glowing Harp International Competition in Ukraine. In this event, I competed against gifted harpists from various countries, notably Poland, Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Germany, all of which have rich musical traditions. In my first year at NYO, I also had the privilege of representing the organization at a primary school in Nottingham, where I performed and conducted music workshops. It was an enjoyable experience to teach the children, and I felt a sense of fulfilment in potentially serving as a role model, inspiring them to explore orchestral music or learn an instrument. I look forward to motivating more aspiring musicians in my second year at NYO.
Oundle has been an incredible support throughout my musical journey. The School’s music scholarship scheme has enabled me to pursue my goals with the provision of my harp lessons. Oundle also offers an abundance of performance opportunities, including lunchtime concerts, the Hepburn Music Festival, the Concerto Competition and Christmas concerts, all of which allow me to develop my confidence and showcase my abilities. Most importantly, the School fosters a nurturing environment, where musicians are supported by dedicated teachers and a community that values creativity and hard work.
Looking ahead, my experiences with NYO and the support I’ve received at Oundle have solidified my commitment to pursuing music as a central part of my future. They have inspired me to continue developing my skills, explore new opportunities and share my passion for music with a wider audience. These moments have shown me that music is not just about performance—it’s about connection, growth and creating something meaningful. I’m excited for what lies ahead and eager to see how far my musical journey can take me.
