INSPIRING young musicians to take up their instruments has earned Ellen Auckland a Young Champions nomination.
Ellen, 20, from Lombard Crescent, Darfield, has been playing as part of the Barnsley Jazz Association since she was ten.
A decade later, she is proficient with trumpet, piano and trombone and is eager to pass on her musical knowledge to the younger generation of musicians.
Ellen realised some of the new members were intimidated to join the larger Barnsley Jazz Orchestra group.
So she took the chance to set up her own smaller band on a Monday night, where new musicians could experience playing as part of a group in a smaller environment.
The association uses facilities at Netherwood Academy to practise.
Ellen said: “I really enjoy teaching and I’m currently doing my degree in Popular Music at University Campus Barnsley. I want to do my PGCE and teach.
“It is a mix of ages and it can change a lot, but the youngest has been five years old on the piano and the oldest is around GCSE age.
“The smaller band only just started in September and the whole idea is if you have just started, it is a nice learning environment to be in. It helps them learn to stay in time and is a stepping stone as going up to the big band having just had lessons can be really daunting. With a smaller group you do get to know them more too.
“It is strange to hear I have been nominated as when I do it, I’m not doing it for recognition, I just enjoy it. Especially in the climate we are in with a lot of schools not even teaching music anymore. Anything that gets kids involved in music is a good thing.”
Ellen was nominated by her lecturer, Susan Donnelly.
Susan said: “I observed Ellen leading the Barnsley Youth Jazz Orchestra as part of her ‘music in education’ module on the final year of her degree in Popular Music.
“She has worked with these young people for a few years now, not only giving up her time but helping to fund the work that the Barnsley Youth Jazz Association do by performing with the Dearne Big Band.
“In an age where the funding and profile of music has been challenged it was so good to see Ellen teaching trumpet and leading a rehearsal. The young people were motivated and inspired by her and this is an amazing quality opportunity for the children of Barnsley.”
