A TALENTED young musician hit the right note with judges to secure a place at one of the country’s most prestigious arts centres.

Horn player Libby Hunter from Gourock has landed a slot at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The 13-year-old will join their junior programme, learning from top professional musicians every week.

Libby, a member of Riverside Youth Band, said: “I grew up playing tenor horn because that fits in a brass band but the Conservatoire is more orchestra-focused so I had to begin learning the French horn if I wanted to go there.

“When I applied, I tried not to get too excited because I knew it would be really difficult to get in.

“When my mum told me the good news. It was fantastic — now I can’t wait to get started.”

Libby started playing piano at the age of five and tenor horn when she was nine. 

The Clydeview Academy pupil has performed with the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland as well as the National Youth Brass Band, plus Inverclyde Musical Youth Theatre.

Libby is also Riverside’s reigning under-16 Scottish champion.

She said: “Riverside has opened my eyes to such a wide variety of music and we have performed in exciting places like the City Halls in Glasgow.

“I have met new people there and that experience will really help when I start at the Conservatoire.”

Jenn Adams, head of the Junior Conservatoire, congratulated Libby on her success.

She said: “Libby will have the opportunity to fulfil her artistic potential while developing essential life skills.

“Along with her follow students, Libby will be empowered and encouraged to be the best she can be in a happy and welcoming environment and we look forward to welcoming her in September.”

Libby is keen to thank singing tutor Polly Beck as well as brass teacher Lynda Nicholson and David Hutcheson for their support.

l Riverside Youth Band meets on Friday afternoons in St John’s Hall, Port Glasgow and young brass and percussion players of all levels of experience are welcome. 

For more information, email Laura Good on secretary@riversideyouthband.co.uk