Durlston School Prep pupils Willow and Emily Silver join National Children’s Orchestra

MUSICAL twins Willow and Emily Silver have been offered places in a national orchestra.

Trombone player Willow (11) is set to join the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO) under 12s, while her sister Emily has gained a place in the 2025 NCO Projects Midlands Orchestra on the flute.

The talented sisters, who attend Durlston Prep and Senior School, started their musical journey aged five when they both began playing the recorder.

Since then they have become regular visitors to Durlston’s Music School. Emily has progressed to playing the flute, French horn and alto saxophone, while Willow has picked up the bassoon and trombone.

A Durlston School spokesperson said: “We are very proud of Emily and Willow who thoroughly deserve their achievements.

“They are both talented musicians but also have such a positive attitude and dedicated work ethic, as well as enthusiasm and a sense of fun.

“It is this combination of traits that have earned them their positions as Durlston Music Scholars. They are a pleasure to teach.”

The school said both girls have had the chance to perform throughout the year in the school orchestra and as part of jazz and carol concerts at Christchurch Priory and the Durlston Big Gig in the summer.

The school spokesperson added that Emily and Willow have achieved “impressive results” in the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music examinations, and have won various awards at the New Milton Music Festival.

Willow and Emily are also long-term members of Christchurch Music Centre and Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra, where they are currently preparing for a December performance as part of the SoundCellar series at The Grasshopper in Poole.