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LeBron Ah Young has been selected to play for the APO's Orchestral Summer School.

Photo/Supplied

Summer

Dilworth trombonist to start 2025 on a high note

LeBron Ah Young, the first in his family to learn music, is among three students selected for the Auckland Philharmonia’s Summer School.

A trio of Dilworth students have been selected for an intensive, week-long summer school in January, where professional musicians will mentor them.

The Auckland Philharmonia’s Orchestral Summer School is an intensive course for instrumentalists aged 12-18.

Students are coached through five repertoire pieces, culminating in a performance at the end of the week.

One of the successful applicants is trombonist LeBron Ah Young, who first picked up the trombone in 2020 and is now considering it as a future career path.

“I'm excited to meet some of them and hopefully find a path for me to become like them as well.

“Everyone else was gravitating towards trumpet, and I just wanted to stand out a bit so I decided to go with the lesser-picked option.

“I love the range of the instrument and how it can be played in multiple different bands, such as our jazz band that we have at Dilworth or our symphony orchestra as well.”

The Year 11 student has Sāmoan and Chinese heritage. Ah Young is the first person in his family to learn a musical instrument, but he says his family has rallied behind him.

“When I first started playing, they said it was a bit loud because I played it all the time.

“I think they've learned to tolerate it, but they're supporting me all along the way, so I'm glad for them.”

Ah Young also plays the bass trombone and hopes to pick up the tuba. After just four years, he credits his teachers with his musical success.

“Especially Mr Stent, his enthusiasm is unmatched. I've never seen a teacher who loves his job that much.

“Mr Kingaby was a former trombone player, so he's been specifically helping me along the way as well, so I think that their support and work has helped develop my music journey.”

Violinist Henry Liu and flautist Mason Wolfe were also accepted into the summer school programme.

Dilworth School Director of Instrumental Music Rhys Kingaby says it’s an exciting recognition.

“We are delighted that three Dilworth students have been accepted into the 2025 Auckland Philharmonic Summer School for the first time—it marks an incredible milestone for our school.

“Their achievement reflects the hard work and dedication they have put into their instrumental studies.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from professional musicians and connect with other students across the Auckland Region”.

The intensive summer school programme is for 12-18-year-olds and runs from 13-17 January 2025 at Westlake Girls High School. It includes small group workshops, sectionals, and full orchestra rehearsals.

The musicians will learn five pieces, including a world premiere of Meditations on the Waitematā Harbour by the APO 2025 Young Composer-In-Residence Grace Wellik.

The ticketed performance will be held on Friday, 17 January, at 2.30pm at the Bruce Mason Centre.