Student Emily is celebrating success with Sovereign Paraders Jazz Band after winning Best Pom Poms at marching band competition The Garfield Bishop Championships in South Wales.
Emily, 21, is a first-year Performing Arts student. Her band took first place in Division 3 and won Best Music, alongside other awards.
The band’s story began with a reunion of former members, who came together to celebrate their trainer’s 80th birthday. Emily became interested after watching their reunion debut and wanted to join.
Since then, she has tried the cabasa, tambourine and maracas before moving to pompoms. “The pompoms are my favourite,” she says.
The band brings together members of all ages, from children upwards. Emily enjoys travelling to performances with the group: “We all go on the bus and it’s great fun.”
Alongside her award-winning pompom performance, Emily used Makaton signing in the band’s finale. The whole band joined her in signing to Starmaker by The Kids from Fame.
“When we signed the crowd was roaring,” she says, smiling.
Emily’s mum, Jeannette Williams, describes the result as “such an amazing feeling and accomplishment”. The band is now preparing for next season, when Emily will be doing more singing and Makaton signing.
At Derwen College, Emily is settling into college life after starting in September. She has immersed herself in Performing Arts, with a link to the Hospitality & Food pathway. She has made new friends and is enjoying trying new things. “I’ve learnt basketball and I’m looking forward to starting the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award,” she says.
She is also preparing for her first Derwen College stage performance in the Christmas production of School of Rock. Her mum, dad and best friend from school are coming to watch.
Emily has a line to deliver and admits she is “a bit nervous”, but her love of performing shines through.
“I love to dance. It’s my life,” she says. “It makes me happy and makes other people happy too.”
