Elizabeth Wyer was so nervous during her audition she thought she’d blown it.

A place with the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain was at stake.

And the eight-year-old, who started taking violin lessons six years ago, had already decided on music as a career.

“I was really happy that I got in,” she said. “I didn’t think I would. I decided I wanted to be a professional musician when I was four.”

Her mother, Joanna Sherratt-Wyer, encouraged her to try out for NCO.

She had to send in an audition tape consisting of two pieces she’d prepared and two pieces of sight reading with her application.

Seven and eight-year-olds from across Great Britain were in competition for one of the 55 spots in the training orchestra.

“I don’t know of anyone else in Bermuda who has taken part,” said Dr Sherratt-Wyer. “It’s unusual.

“I wanted her to have fun with music and be able to have time to go and experience what kind of doors that playing the violin can open. She will be able to meet new friends and have a new experience.”

Elizabeth heads to London for a week-long residential programme with the NCO in July.

“I am excited and nervous,” said Elizabeth, who studies at Bermuda School of Music with LaTannia Ellerbe. “I have never been away on my own.”

For the past year she’s played with the BSM senior orchestra.

“She is the youngest member,” said Dr Sherratt-Wyer.

“The oldest students in the orchestra are 13 and 14 years old.”

Elizabeth said she sometimes feels the music so intensely the notes invoke vivid colours and images in her mind.

“It is really fun and I love it,” she said. “I love listening to other people playing or to soundtracks of violin music.”

Her mother shies away from the word “talent”, preferring to emphasise the elbow grease involved.

“It is fair to say she has worked very hard,” said Dr Sherratt-Wyer. “She practises most days of the week, but not necessarily every day. Elizabeth loves listening to all types of music in the car, and tries to predict how new pieces will go.”

She praised the BSM for their work with her daughter.

“Her teacher, Dr Ellerbe, has worked really hard with her for five years, which is pretty amazing,” said Dr Sherratt-Wyer. “I think the BSM is doing a great job.

“It has a really nice group of kids coming through. It is really diverse and everyone works together.”

Dr Sherratt-Wyer shares her daughter’s interest in music and plays the cello.

“It is fantastic to share a passion for music with my daughter,” she said. “My son, Edward, plays as well.

“It is a lot of fun to have music in the house. They both play the violin and the piano.

“It is lovely to see them start to enjoy something that I enjoyed all of my life.”

•For a video of Elizabeth playing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCRJciKLiE4