A SCHOOLGIRL from Headington has gained top grades for her music skills, but she won’t be blowing her own trumpet about it.

Instead 10-year-old Eleanor Voak will be reaching for her bassoon.

Despite having only played for three years, Eleanor achieved a distinction in her grade eight exam for the instrument, the highest grade possible.

Headington Prep School pupil Eleanor, who now plans to take her grade eight in recorder, said: “I didn’t believe I’d passed at first, but I’m really pleased I did.”

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She wants to be a professional musician when she is older and currently plays for the National Children’s Orchestra and the Oxfordshire School’s Symphony Orchestra.

Eleanor’s mum Daniela Voak said: “It is strange because neither I or her father play instruments, but we’re great music appreciators.”

A teacher at the Europa School, Abingdon, Dr Voak said that Eleanor was inspired to play music after her 12-year-old sister Elsa started playing piano.

The 46-year-old, of Headington, said: “Eleanor wanted to take up an orchestral instrument. She chose it because at that young age such a large instrument fascinated her.”

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