Max hits all the right notes for NYC school

Percussionist Max Rodney (S5) has won a coveted place on a prestigious summer school at the world-leading Juilliard School of Music in New York.
Max is heading to the Big Apple.Max is heading to the Big Apple.
Max is heading to the Big Apple.

The talented Hutchesons’ Grammar School musician is one of only 16 successful international applicants to have been selected through the rigorous audition process and he is the only person from the UK to win a place.

He will now spend two weeks in July working with top American percussion coaches. The extensive two-week programme will involve lessons, masterclasses, lectures, rehearsals and performances, with equal emphasis on solo, ensemble and orchestral repertoire.

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Max auditioned for the course in December, submitting a recorded performance on marimba, and was delighted to receive news recently that he had secured a place.

He said: “My intention is to study music when I leave Hutchesons’, so I reckoned this was a golden opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a student at one of the world’s top music conservatoires. At first I thought the Julliard option was a long shot. But now that it’s a reality, I’m really excited at the thought of going to New York.”

The talented musician has also caught the attention of world renowned composer Sir James Macmillan who praised his skills after seeing him perform at a concert recently.

He said: “Max’s performance showed marvellous dexterity and rhythmic control. He had great control of the instrument and showed off its wide dynamics. He looked as if he really believed in what he was doing and was revelling in the music. A great performance.”

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Colin Gambles, Hutchesons’ Grammar School rector added: “This is an invaluable opportunity for Max to hone his musical talent alongside equally talented youngsters and under the keen eye of the world’s top teachers.”

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