Congratulations to King’s Ely Sixth Form student, Lauren Booth, for her exceptional achievement in the British Flute Society’s Young Performer Competition.
Lauren, who is in Year 12, was one of 22 young international flautists who entered this category of the prestigious competition, which was held at Loughborough Schools Music on February 26th.
Lauren performed ‘Nocturne et Allegro Scherzando’ by Philippe Gaubert, and was awarded a fantastic third place.
Lauren, who first started playing the flute when she was around four-years-old, said: “I took part in this competition when I was in Year 9 and I remember thinking back then that getting a certificate would be unachievable!”
Lauren joined King’s Ely Acremont Pre-Prep in Year 1. She is studying Music, Physics, and Further Mathematics for her A-Levels.
In 2021, Lauren made school history when she achieved a 49/50 Distinction in her Associate of the Royal Schools of Music (ARSM) Diploma Exam on the flute. This is the highest mark ever achieved by a King’s Ely student, and a mark very rarely achieved.
Lauren also attends the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama (Junior) on Saturdays to study flute. At King’s, Lauren’s flute teacher is the wonderful Liz Hargest.
Lauren said: “My favourite aspects of playing the flute are either the performances themselves after all of the effort you have put in to get to that point, or the groups I play in, where I get to perform amazing music with great people. I love to express myself through my flute and explore all the styles and genres that I can play.”
Lauren also sings and plays the piano. To say that she is an active member of the King’s Ely Music Department would be a slight understatement – she is a member of our Piano Trio, Flute Choir, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Nightingales, Concert Band and Orchestra.