A Ron Dearing UTC sixth form student plays four different instruments and is the youngest member of an orchestra, regularly performing in concerts across the region.
Jay Rutter, 17, plays violin, viola, guitar and ukelele, and is a member of Eclectic Music, an orchestra which blends together music and musicians from a wide variety of backgrounds.
The Year 12 student is following in the footsteps of his musical family, as his grandmother plays guitar, hand bells and sings, and his aunt plays cello, ukelele and piano.
Jay, who studies Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Art at Ron Dearing UTC, plays alongside his fellow musicians in Hull weekly and has performed at venues including Beverley Minster and Bridlington Spa in recent years.
He said: “I love music but school always takes priority and I’ve never wanted to play music professionally, as it would take the fun out of it for me. But I have the most affection for my violin, which has been in my family for 40 years and was handed down to me.
“I love being a Ron Dearing UTC student because the environment, work ethic, education and friendliness is amazing. The people are brilliant, the opportunities are endless and it’s the best place to be.
“If you have a passion for something and like to be encouraged to do your best, there is nowhere else you should be.”
Jay recently received two awards at Ron Dearing UTC’s Celebration of Achievement evening – the Ron Dearing UTC Art and Design Award for Excellent Achievement and Ron Dearing UTC Creative Talent of the Year 2022/23.
Jay, who is considering a career in aerospace engineering, said: “I’m astounded by these awards and I’m so happy about the creative talent trophy.
“I feel very supported by the Ron Dearing UTC staff and students. We all work together and help each other, so it was really nice to see so many students collecting awards.”
Jay joined Eclectic Music when he was 15-years-old and previously performed in the East Riding Youth Orchestra. He is now working towards performing in the orchestra’s “Walk on the Wild Side” concert at Hull Minster on September 22 and 23.
Lynn Collins, Director of Creativity at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Jay and everything he has achieved.
“He is a conscientious, imaginative and highly creative student who is passionate about producing innovative art.
“As well as being totally dedicated to his own work, Jay is also a very kind person who is always happy to take time to help other students and staff.
“It’s very impressive that Jay can play four different instruments and is such an accomplished musician. He is a true creative.”