Jamie Pimenta

Jamie Pimenta, 18, has played the trombone since he was nine years old. The former Barking Abbey School pupil was principle in the London Schools Symphony Orchestra and is now in his first year at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama studying classical tenor trombone. He played a solo at this year’s Twilight Classical Concert in Barking.

» I was a naughty kid when I was at primary school – I found it hard to focus in lessons and would mess around.

The one thing that did interest me however was music.

One day one of my teachers, Gwyneth Jones, told me she taught trombone and said she had a spare one at school I could try.

I gave it a go and liked it.

From then until I left high school Gwyneth was my trombone teacher.

When I was younger I found it hard at times to motivate myself to practice, but as I grew older I got more into it and it wasn’t a problem.

I was lucky enough to get a place on the London Schools Symphony Orchestra.

I had a great time with them and got the chance to play at the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall, which was fantastic.

As well as the trombone, I play the drums in a pop/rock band called Empty Headz with five good friends of mine.

I feel equally passionate about the band and the trombone.

Sometimes I want to take a break from the classical musical world, which can be quite intense, and spend time with the band – and sometimes it’s the other way around. I enjoy the contrast between the two.

I’ve got three years left at university, after that I’m not sure what I’ll be doing –hopefully a variety of things.

Playing in an orchestral pit in the West End would be good and I’d love to perform with the band at a festival.

As long as I’m involved with music I’ll be happy.