Harrison Tennick, a 16-year-old New College music student, has recently been given the opportunity to join the Yorkshire Young Musicians (YYM). Formerly of Carleton High School, Harrison is presently studying 3 A-Levels at New College Pontefract, and has flourished in his time at the college, leading to him becoming a part of the scheme offered to talented young individuals in the Yorkshire region.
YYM was established in 2004 to provide advanced training for talented young musicians and aims to enable them to benefit from high quality specialist tuition.
‘This is so exciting for me,” said Harrison. “From a young age I’ve always wanted to devote my life to music and pursue a career in it. I know that this is one step closer to achieving that goal.”
Head of Music at New College Pontefract, Michelle Colvill, said that “Harrison is an exceptionally gifted musician” who has been dedicated to music “from an early age”. “He has a natural gift and can easily absorb music then replicate the style on a keyboard.” From the start of his time at college, he has been an exceptional student. “‘He was playing Grade 8 (and higher) pieces immediately, having never even had a piano lesson!”
“I couldn’t have possibly been accepted into YYM without the help of my amazing music teacher, Michelle,” Harrison told us. “I didn’t know YYM existed until she encouraged me to become a member, she’s really been incredibly helpful. New College Pontefract’s support and facilities have been very handy in allowing me to come and use the grand piano for my Tuesday piano lesson, since the keyboard I use at home has broken.”
After a lengthy process which included creating a portfolio, auditioning and being interviewed by the Head of YYM, Harrison was accepted, blazing a trail for other New College students to follow.
