August Junior Scholar of the Month - Connor

Connor with his trumpet

Since becoming a London Music Fund Junior Scholar in 2023 with Havering Music School, Connor has demonstrated strong commitment to his musical development. He has not missed a single LMF Playing Day or workshop and has made impressive progress on his trumpet.

Connor is currently working at Grade 4 level and plans to take his Grade 5 exam at the end of the year. With support from Havering Music Service, his family, and LMF, he has taken part in over one hundred workshops, concerts, and events. Highlights include workshops with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and a performance at the BBC Youth Proms opening night concert at the Royal Albert Hall. He has also been interviewed by saxophonist YolanDa Brown on Scala Radio.

Connor performs in multiple ensembles with Havering Music School and has recently been recommended for a newly established orchestra with links to the London Symphony Orchestra. This year, Connor has also attended workshops with Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Royal Academy of Music.

A particular highlight for Connor was performing at LMF's 15th Anniversary Concert at Smith Square Hall, the same venue where he was originally awarded his Junior Scholarship. "Returning to perform there was the most meaningful day of my LMF journey so far," Connor says.

We asked Connor how he has been finding his Junior Scholarship:

What do you enjoy most about your Junior Scholarship and playing your trumpet?

"I think my Junior Scholarship is going really well. I love coming to the workshops and it's really fun playing and making new friends. I just love playing my trumpet. I have so much fun testing how high, low, and fast I can play. I've played everything from the James Bond theme tune to classical and jazz music."

Can you share a musical moment from the past year that made you feel especially proud?

"The BBC Youth Proms Creative Project at the Royal Albert Hall was amazing. Being part of such a huge project and playing music that was really fun made it really special."

What's your favourite piece to play?

"Jam Bouree is my current favourite. It's one of my Grade 5 pieces and I feel great every time I play it."

What are you most excited to try next?

"I'm about to join a new orchestra at my music school, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what music we'll be playing and having fun. I don't know yet if I'll be playing trumpet or flugelhorn, which makes it even more exciting."

As Connor enters the final year of his Junior Scholarship, we celebrate the remarkable progress he has made and the dedication he continues to show. The passion he brings to every performance and workshop is truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud of everything he has accomplished. We look forward to supporting him throughout this year and wish him the best of luck with his Grade 5 Trumpet Exam!

We are so pleased Connor has been making the most of his Junior Scholarship. Go, Connor!