Top marks for Chester Abbey Gate saxophonist

May 20 2010 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

Top marks for Chester Abbey Gate saxophonist

A TALENTED teenager has hit the top note in a music exam.

Nicholas Bradley, 14, a student at Abbey Gate College in Saighton, gained full marks in his Grade 8 saxophone examination.

He said: “I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out.

“I started playing the saxophone when I was about eight and I just love it. It’s a real passion of mine.”

His teacher, Gordon Macey, said: “It is an absolutely tremendous achievement. Nick was always going to get a good mark but to get 100% is amazing.

“He is a natural all round musician and he is never far away from the music department.”

As well as the saxophone, Nicholas also plays piano, guitar and sings. He is a member of the Chester Schools Concert Band and has been invited to join the percussion section of the Wirral Symphony Orchestra. He also has a rock band called Neon Parade which performed at the Chester Beer Festival last week.

Stewart Smith, director of music at Abbey Gate College, said: “This is a remarkable achievement as full marks in any exam is very rare but especially in Grade 8.”