TWO talented brass band musicians who played together as students at Okehampton College have taken part in a prestigious national week-long masterclass for young brass band players.

Emily Quick and Ellie Joy, both 17, were among 80 young players selected to take part in a course with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain over Easter.

After auditioning on arrival, they were selected to lead their respective sections – Emily in percussion and Ellie on the flugelhorn – throughout the week.

The residential course culminated in performances at Cheltenham Town Hall and Wells Cathedral, in which both girls gave solo performances.

The girls were also appointed mentors for the younger members during the week, and Emily, in her second year performing with the band, was also made band representative and won the Harold and Bernard Tovey silver award.

Emily, from North Tawton, is currently studying music performance at Exeter College, while Ellie, from Okehampton, is doing her A levels, including music, at Okehampton College.

They both played in the Okehampton College Big Band and in school productions together, and have progressed to play in top brass bands in Cornwall – Emily with Bodmin Town Band and Ellie to championship standard with the St Dennis Band.