Lauren Bye
PERCWORKS AMBASSADOR
Lauren, 18, lives in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and has recently been awarded a scholarship to study Percussion at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in September 2021.
At the age of 8, Lauren took up the drums, being naturally shy she thought she'd be able to hide behind such a big instrument! She quickly realised how integral drums are to music and went on to join a training brass band and from the age of 14 went on to play with the competitive senior band, Chinnor Silver Band. It was here that she was introduced to the entire range of percussive instruments and had to quickly teach herself tuned percussion in order to play these parts! This broadened her musical vision and led to her joining the Chiltern Music Academy. Here, her love of percussion deepened as she played in a variety of ensembles. Lauren relished these further opportunities and decided percussion was the career for her!
Lauren also has a love for guiding, so has combined these passion by joining the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band, which she has been a member of the past 3 years. Lauren has also been a member of the National Youth Percussion Orchestra for the last 2 years, an experience that gave her the confidence to apply for music conservatoire. After a successful round of auditions in 2020, Lauren is excited to have accepted a scholarship to study at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama starting in September 2021.
Carys Underwood
PERCWORKS AMBASSADOR
Carys, 17, lives in Pembrokeshire, South Wales and has recently been awarded a scholarship to study Percussion at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in September 2021.
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Having been inspired by a timpanist at a concert aged 3, Carys took up percussion at 7 years old and hasn't stopped playing since! By aged 9 Carys was a member of the National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain. This sparked her love of ensemble playing and she is now a member of many Pembrokeshire County Ensembles including leading rehearsals for the County Percussion Ensemble, with whom she has performed at Music for Youth's National Festival. In 2019 Carys successfully auditioned for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama's prestigious Junior Conservatoire, where she is an active member of the percussion chamber group and orchestra. Carys has also played for both the Goodwick and Pontardulais Brass Bands, winning the 'Best Percussion Section' award at the Champion League with Goodwick. Carys has been a member of the National Youth Percussion Orchestra of Great Britain for 3 years, including working with tutors such as Owen Gunnel, Toby Kearney, Pat King, Colin Currie and Sam Walton. After a successful round of auditions Carys is excited to have accepted a scholarship to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, starting in September 2021.