TWO Dorchester students hit the right note to secure a place with a prestigious orchestra.

Year 12 pupils Stacey Newlin and Jamie Riddoch, from the Thomas Hardye School have both passed auditions for the National Youth Orchestra (NYO).

Stacey will play the viola with the orchestra and Jamie the tuba.

Stacey, who completed her GCSEs at Parkstone Grammar School before moving to Hardye’s this year, was taught by Alison Kay in Broadstone.

Former Sunninghill Prep School pupil Jamie is taught by Matt Blunt, who lives in London but comes from Weymouth.

He said playing in the orchestra was a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to further his musical education.

Jamie added: “It will be the experience of a lifetime.”

Peter Oakes, who teaches both students music at Hardye’s, said: “To be chosen to represent a national student organisation of any sort requires a great deal of talent.

“The NYO plays to a professional standard and the concerts, such as the BBC Prom, are always televised sell-outs.”