Young percussionist Paddy Davies is one of Cumbria's musical rising stars, and his hard work and talent have earned him a place in the highly competitive National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. You may have seen Paddy playing with WYO or CYO.

What instruments do you play? Tuned percussion, Drum Kit , piano and violin.

What groups are you a member of? Queen Elizabeth School music ensembles, Westmorland Youth Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, National Youth Percussion Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra.

How and when did you first become interested in music? My Uncle Alex left me a drum kit and I started lessons and then went on to have percussion lessons with Jamie Hoyle at Trinity School in Carlisle. Jamie was great at fitting in lessons for me and allowing me to help out at Cumbria Youth Orchestra and City of Carlisle Orchestra concerts.

What do you enjoy most about being a musician? I enjoy playing in a team of percussion players and I enjoy playing different genres : classical, Latin, Jazz etc

What’s your most memorable musical experience / achievement so far? Getting into NYO was a big achievement for me. Last year I played in their Winter residential and I played the drumline at schools in Birmingham. After that I wanted to be a full member of the orchestra and spent a lot of time practising the orchestral excerpts for the audition.

Do you have any other interests? Liverpool Football Club and cooking.

What are your top tips for other young musicians? Best advice I have been given is ' Ears open and mouth shut '

What are your aims for the future? My aim for the future is to become a more rounded and accomplished musician and make my mark within NYO.