When her audition video was sent to Scotland’s National Youth Wind Ensemble earlier this year, Ella Hicks never thought she would be headed to Glasgow in July. 

The Year 11 St Rita’s College student, already a member of the Griffith University Young Conservatorium program, has been accepted into the acclaimed Scottish summer immersion program. 

Ella will travel to Glasgow for two weeks in July to hone her skills at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for seven days amongst peers and under the guidance of highly experienced teachers.

“I have met amazing people through the Young Conservatorium program, challenged myself with new songs and have worked with some really amazing conductors,” Ella said.

“I’m really looking forward to challenging myself with new music in Scotland, playing as part of the Ensemble with other musicians and performing in the concert on the final day,” she said.

Ella plays in a number of St Rita's College Ensembles.

After playing violin throughout primary school, Ella was accepted into a St Rita’s College Ensemble in Year 7 after playing percussion for less than a year. 

“A friend taught me the audition song, then I started taking percussion lessons after being accepted into the Ensemble,” she said.

“I am so lucky to have such incredible music mentors such as Mr Angus Wilson and Mr Craig Kennedy guiding me in my musical journey.”

St Rita’s Head of Cocurricular Music, Mr Craig Kennedy, said Ella was extremely well-deserving of the opportunity.

“Ella has shown such great dedication since taking up percussion; she is always willing to improve and develop and is always willing to help all the other girls, which generates excitement within percussion too,” Mr Kennedy said.

“She is already playing at a really high standard, having put in a lot of hard work and developing her skills in a reasonably short amount of time.

“Being selected for Scotland will be such a great experience for Ella but also really beneficial for our program when she returns, as she will be able to share her experience within our Ensembles here.”

Ella would like to pursue a career in either Music or Veterinary Science after graduating Year 12.