Newton Abbot Teen Band Represents UK at European Music Festival in Lithuania
A group of teenagers from Newton Abbot has represented the UK at a major international music event in Vilnius, Lithuania, marking a milestone moment in their musical journey.
The four-piece band, Starlight System, performed at the Yamaha European Highlight Concert on Saturday, 7 June. Made up of Dexter, Evelyn, Joel, and Finley, all students at JJ’s Arts Academy CIC, the group joined young musicians from across Europe for a celebration of original music and storytelling.
The concert, held every two years by Yamaha Music Schools, challenges students to write and perform original compositions inspired by their home country. Over the past year, Starlight System developed their piece Home is Where the Rain Is, working under the guidance of tutors at the Newton Abbot-based music academy.
After submitting their final track, the band received news in February that they had been selected to represent the UK. Their success followed a competitive judging process involving entries from across Europe.
To help them prepare for the international stage, Yamaha brought performance coach Ivan Carranza from Hamburg to Devon in April. He led a professional workshop with the band and oversaw the filming of a behind-the-scenes documentary at Cameron Mills in Exeter. The documentary is set to be shared on Yamaha’s social media channels later this year.
In June, a group of 15—including the band, their families, and JJ’s founders Joanna and Rob Walling—travelled to Vilnius for the concert. The musicians spent the day before the performance exploring the Lithuanian capital before joining other performers for rehearsals at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre.
Saturday’s concert featured musicians from ten countries, with performances ranging from solo piano to full-band compositions. Starlight System delivered a well-received performance, earning strong applause from the audience.
“For these young people to write, perform and present their own song on an international stage is an incredible achievement,” said Joanna Walling, who co-founded JJ’s Arts Academy. “They’ve handled the process with maturity and enthusiasm, and the experience will stay with them for a long time.”
The band returned to Devon on Sunday night and were back at school on Monday. Despite the low-key return, they’re already working on new music.
JJ’s Arts Academy CIC, a community interest company, continues to offer music education and performance opportunities for young people in the region. The academy provides lessons, group sessions, and creative support for aspiring musicians of all levels.
To find out more or to book a free music lesson, contact reception@jjsartsacademy.com or visit JJ’s Arts Academy on Facebook or Instagram.
