James Hastings (clarinet)

James began playing the clarinet at the age of seven when he became a member of the Chipping Norton Area Music School. He was making excellent progress, although was in desperate need of a better quality instrument which would help him to fulfil his potential. Future Talent was able to support James and he is now the proud owner of a new clarinet.

Since then James has become a member of Oxfordshire Schools’ Senior Orchestra and is progressing through his graded exams. He also plays in his school jazz band and has been invited to join the ‘Chippy Allstars’, a jazz band which plays at different venues all over the county. James has also joined a new clarinet choir after school which has been specifically designed to encourage and support particularly talented musicians.

“Initially Future Talent gave me the confidence to stretch myself in new musical directions and I remain extremely grateful to them. My clarinet playing sounds very different now that I am using a quality instrument…The help received has also boosted my confidence as it is great to know people think I can succeed in music. Now, thanks to Future Talent, I can think about the possible future I might have in music, as I now feel more confident and inspired to carry on.” (James Hastings)