A TALENTED Colne Valley musician is taking his sound to the northern Midwest of the USA this summer.
Marsden saxophonist Jacob Shaw has been given a scholarship at the Jacob School of Music in Indiana to extend his skills.
He has also successfully auditioned for the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.
Former Colne Valley High School and Greenhead College student Jacob, now 20, is studying for a music degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
He started playing the saxophone when he was nine while at Marsden Primary School.
He went on to play with the Colne Valley Music Centre and says he is indebted to centre staff Rachel O’Sullivan, Matt Delaney and Denise Dransfield, who have supported him along the way.
His present teacher is Lara James.
Jacob said: “The saxophone is still not widely acknowledged as a solo instrument. It is an evolving instrument and it is exciting to be part of this.’’
Jacob has formed a saxophone quartet called Fantasise which two weeks ago won the college’s chamber music contest.
It has also taken part in the Royal Overseas League, an international music competition for ensembles.
Jacob also recently won the college’s woodwind solo contest. He practises for about three hours a day.
Jacob’s mum and dad, Steven and Anne, are also keen musicians.
Steven is learning the bass guitar and Anne is learning the piano.
Jacob’s sister, Leanne, 23, plays the flute and is currently touring Australia.
Jacob’s website is www.myspace.com/jacobshawsax
