LUCY Arthur has been hitting all the right notes to gain her national orchestra place.
The double bass player has been awarded a place on the under-11's National Children's Orchestra.
The 11-year-old, who goes to Berkhampstead School, travels to Birmingham for rehearsals.
And she has been practising for what will be her first performance with them this summer.
Lucy said: "I love the sound of the instrument, it was what attracted me.
"It is great being part of the big orchestra and meeting new friends who love music."
Her father Paul said: "She started playing the double bass when she was seven, and that was the first instrument she took on.
"We did not encourage her to take it up but she just has an affinity with the instrument.
"We are really pleased with how she is doing and her development so far. A lot of it is down to her teachers who have the passion to teach her."
Penny Mitchell, head of music at Berkhampstead School, said: "It has been her complete focus and she has worked very hard and applied herself really well.
"She has had really supportive teachers and parents, and that has been a great help to Lucy.
"In school, she is also part of our ensemble, which gave her the opportunity to perform."
Pupils at Berkhampstead School go through a specialised music programme to help their pupils master an instrument. The programme, which runs from nursery to pre-school, is taken by two specialist teachers.
Pupils pick out an instrument when they are seven years old, with specialist teachers helping each student with their development.
Lizzy Graham, a professional double bass player from Cheltenham, is guiding Lucy as she prepares to sit for her grade six exams.
Mrs Mitchell said: "It was the only instrument Lucy wanted to learn, and Lizzy told us she was the same when she was that age as well."
The summer performance will be for friends and family only.
