14 year old trombonist Rhiannon Symonds, has been named as runner-up in the Arts Category of the inaugural 2011 Ambition AXA Awards.

Talent

As previously reported on 4BR, the Awards were launched in March to help support talented, ambitious and dedicated 11 to 18-year-olds in the fields of sport, enterprise, science, the arts, and the community.

Over 15,000 young people applied for the awards with the Arts category receiving the most applications.

Voting response

Thanks to a wonderful voting response, including many readers of 4BR, Rhiannon was one of the three finalists at the recent star-studded Gala Awards Ceremony hosted by Carol Vorderman at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Alex James, former bass guitarist of pop group Blur, Laura Gander-Howe, Director, Learning & Skills Strategy at The Arts Council England; Amanda Blanc, Chief Executive AXA Commercial Lines and former Head teacher and Chairman of the judges, Sir Alan Steer were given the task of picking the eventual winner.

Amzing experience

Rhiannon told 4BR: "It’s been an amazing experience from start to finish. I’m certainly not disappointed as all the finalists were winners in so many ways. Everyone is so dedicated to what they do that anyone could have won."

She added: "I felt really privileged to have made it to the final and had a fantastic evening and in the really posh hotel they put us up in! Meeting Carol Vorderman, Karen Brady, Jason Bradbury from the Gadget Show and Alex James was incredible too. Thank you so much for everyone who voted for me to help get me into the Final."

I felt really privileged to have made it to the final and had a fantastic evening and in the really posh hotel they put us up in!Rhiannon Symonds

New success

Rhiannon's recent success doesn't stop there.

Following an intense few weeks of competitive auditions she has been offered places in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.