James takes top trumpet prize

Music student, James Rymer (16), has been awarded the Holin Hammerton Memorial Award for the area’s most promising jazz musician.

Holin founded the Dearne Big Band and worked extensively with young people in the area until his death last year.

James, who plays the trumpet, has studied the instrument for nine years and played in many bands and ensembles including the Barnsley Youth Jazz Orchestra and Dearne Big Band.

He was presented the award by Holin’s son, Daniel Hammerton, in acknowledgement of his musical performances over the year.

James, a former Darfield Foulstone School student, said: “The standard was very high and the competition was tough.

“I feel overwhelmed and honoured to have won the award.”

Richard Tolson, curriculum manager in music at Barnsley College, where James is a student, said: “The standard of musicianship is very high and it’s great that such an award exists to promote high calibre performers in this way. 

“James aims to become a professional musician in the future and winning awards like this will certainly help him.”