Issie's Story - From SEDMC TO the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain
At South East Derbyshire Music Centre (SEDMC), nothing brings us greater pride than watching our young musicians grow in skill, character, and confidence. Today, we are thrilled to share an extraordinary milestone: former SEDMC member Issie has just been offered a coveted place in the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) playing Double Bass!
Issie’s story is a shining example of how our core values, Commitment, Community, and Confidence come together to help young people thrive, both on and off the stage.
Where It All Began: The SEDMC Saturday Routine
Issie’s journey with us started on Saturday mornings, experimenting with instruments like the viola before transitioning to the double bass. From playing in Matthew’s junior group to Clara’s String Stars, and later joining SEDYO, every week was built around the sheer joy of making music.
"SEDMC was where it all began. Every Saturday, without fail, Issie would attend her music groups; having fun, learning, developing her skills and, most importantly, being surrounded by people who genuinely loved making music. I think that passion and enjoyment definitely rubbed off on her!"
— Issie’s Parent
Beyond the music itself, Saturday mornings provided an energetic, welcoming space to connect.
"After COVID, I joined SEDYO and it was such a great way to start a Saturday morning. Chris’ 'energeticness' made it so much fun... [I had a] best friend throughout SEDMC and they are still one of my best friends. Without SEDMC, I would have never met some truly amazing people and that is something I am so grateful for."
— Issie
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone: More Than Just Music
Music at SEDMC is designed to nurture both technical excellence and personal growth. Under the guidance of our ensemble directors, Issie was constantly encouraged to stretch her horizons—from mastering challenging orchestral repertoire to performing on international tours and participating in masterclasses across Europe.
"A huge thank you has to go to SEDMC and her tutor, Matthew Barks, who have always encouraged Issie to step outside her comfort zone and try new things. From applying for DDSO, progressing to CCYO, going on music tours, performing to audiences across Europe, and attending masterclasses, each opportunity has helped her grow not just as a musician, but as a person."
— Issie’s Parent
Issie reflects on how tackling ambitious pieces shaped her work ethic and reliability as a performer:
"SEDMC taught me to be punctual and to persevere. A lot of the pieces we played really pushed me to improve... The final performance I did was playing Bacchanale, which was so much fun as well as being an amazing marker of how much I had improved over the years, as we played that the year I joined SEDYO and I found it to be one of the hardest pieces I’d ever played up to that point."
— Issie
The Next Chapter: JRNCM, Chetham's, and NYO
The foundation built at SEDMC gave Issie the resilience and self-belief to pursue her musical ambitions at the highest levels. After leaving SEDMC, she progressed to the Junior Royal Northern College of Music (JRNCM) and is currently studying for her A-Levels at Chetham’s School of Music.
Now, earning a seat in the National Youth Orchestra is an inspiring culmination of years of dedication, passion, and community support.
Words of Wisdom for Future SEDMC Musicians
When asked what advice she would pass on to current and prospective SEDMC members, Issie keeps it simple and powerful:
"Make sure to take every opportunity offered to you. The connections you make are so important." — Issie
Inspired to start your own musical journey?
At South East Derbyshire Music Centre, we welcome young musicians of all abilities. Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or aiming for national ensembles, our Saturday morning ensembles offer a supportive space to nurture talent, build confidence, and make lifelong friends.