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Ripon teenager to compete in district music finals

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 15:07

16-year-old flautist Joyce Fung.

A Ripon Grammar School student has earned a place in the district final of a respected regional music competition.

16-year-old flautist Joyce Fung won her class at the Rotary Young Musician Competition held in Ripon and was one of only two performers chosen to progress to the district final in February.

Joyce, who is studying science subjects alongside music at A-level and plans to pursue biochemistry at university, began learning the flute at the age of six, inspired by her older sister.

She said:

“I do music purely out of enjoyment and passion for the subject, the teachers are also super nice and engaging.”

At the Ripon heat, Joyce performed the first movement of the Sonatina by Lennox Berkeley. Having achieved grade 8, she competed in a higher class this year.

She said:

“It was very challenging. I was quite surprised when I won as I thought the other musicians played amazingly, but I was very happy that my practice paid off.

“I am excited to continue into the second round, but I will have to practise even more and work harder.”

Joyce, who has previously won several awards at Harrogate Music Festival, is a member of the school’s orchestra and wind band.

She hopes to join an external orchestra to further develop her skills and broaden her musical experience.

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