Cayla's talent secures a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales
UWC Atlantic is proud to announce that Cayla, a talented violinist from Goa, India, has been accepted into the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. This prestigious achievement highlights her dedication to music and her commitment to excellence - values at the heart of UWC Atlantic’s mission to provide a transformative education.
Cayla, who joined UWC Atlantic through the Indian National Committee, has been playing the violin since the age of four. Coming from a family keen to support her passion for music, she has worked tirelessly to refine her craft. Despite her rigorous academic schedule—studying Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at Higher Level, alongside English, Spanish, and Global Politics, Cayla dedicates two hours daily to practicing the violin.
“Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, I really enjoy experimenting with various genres and styles of music but I wasn’t always good at it - who wants to practice something that sounds like cats fighting? It’s only in the last five years that I’ve truly found joy in playing, and now I can’t imagine my life without it.”
Her decision to study at UWC Atlantic was strongly influenced by the college’s extensive extracurricular music programme, which enables students to pursue artistic passions alongside their academic studies. Thanks to a scholarship covering her music lessons kindly donated by the Mousetrap Settlement Trust in Wales, Cayla has been able to continue developing her skills with professional lessons - an opportunity that would not have been financially possible otherwise.
A Prestigious Opportunity with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales
The National Youth Orchestra of Wales is one of the UK’s most esteemed youth orchestras, offering young musicians the chance to perform at a national level. After a rigorous application process, which involved submitting recordings of her violin performances, Cayla was selected to join the orchestra and awarded a bursary to support her participation.
This spring break, she will travel to Cardiff for practice sessions, followed by a week-long residency in Lampeter. She will then spend the summer touring with the orchestra, performing in concerts across Wales.
Brett Williams, Head of Music at UWC Atlantic, and a former member of the orchestra himself, expressed his excitement:
“A huge congratulations to Cayla on her acceptance into the National Youth Orchestra of Wales! This is a wonderful achievement and a testament to her dedication, talent, and countless hours of practice. We at UWC Atlantic are incredibly proud, and as a former member, I know what an amazing experience awaits her. Cayla, I’m so excited for you - seize this opportunity!”
Reflecting on her journey, Cayla credits the Indian UWC National Committee and The Mousetrap Settlement Trust here in Wales, for giving students like her the chance to pursue a world-class education at UWC.
“The Indian National Committee does an incredible job of identifying students who resonate with UWC’s values. If you’re an Indian student looking for an education beyond the traditional curriculum, I strongly encourage you to apply. Without The Mousetrap Settlement’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue music lessons or earn a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales! UWC Atlantic has changed my life.”