Holly Mae become the next Vanessa!

Jan 1 2007 By Tony Deeley

SCHOOLGIRL Holly Randhawa is just ten years old but already shaping up to be the Midlands' answer to Vanessa Mae.

The talented violinist has landed a place in the National Children's Orchestra, beating off competition from the cream of the country's young musicians.

Holly, a pupil at Oldbury's Perry-fields Primary School, is under the guidance of violin teacher Margaret Parker through the council-run Sand-well Youth Music, which lays on

instrumental teaching. Dedicated Holly also plays every Saturday morning with the Sandwell Training String Orchestra and every Thursday evening in one of the Sandwell String Quartets, directed by Andrew Crabtree.

Holly said: "I'm very happy to have succeeded in getting a place in the national orchestra, and I'd like to thank Mrs Parker for all her help and encouragement."

Perryfields head teacher Gill Quinlivan said: "We are all thrilled for Holly that she now has this wonderful opportunity to extend her experience with the national orchestra. It's an amazing achievement."

Trevor Jones, head of Sandwell Youth Music, said: "Holly performs regularly but up until now, her performances have been limited to Sandwell.

"Following her success in her audition she will be joining children from all over the country and playing on a national stage."

Cabinet member for schools and lifelong learning, Coun Ian Jones, said: "This is a tremendous achievement on Holly's part and I wish her well with her musical career."