A BUDDING young band from Newton Abbot recently represented the United Kingdom at a prestigious music event in Lithuania.

Starlight System is made up of Dexter, Evelyn, Joel, and Finley.

The four musicians, who are al aged 14 and students from JJ’s Arts Academy CIC, made their international debut on Saturday, June 7, representing the UK at the Yamaha European Highlight Concert.

Hosted by Yamaha Music Schools, the biannual concert brings together young musicians from across Europe in a celebration of creativity and musical talent.

Last year, all Yamaha students were challenged to compose an original piece that reflected their home country.

Under the mentorship of their teachers at JJ’s, Starlight System composed ‘Home is Where the Rain Is’.

After an initial round of feedback, the band submitted their final composition for consideration.

JJ's Arts Academy
Newton Abbot's very own Starlight System (JJ's Arts Academy)

In February, they received the news that they had been chosen to represent the UK at the upcoming concert in Lithuania.

To help them prepare, Yamaha sent Ivan Carranza, a performance coach from their Hamburg office, to Devon in April.

The band received a professional masterclass and were filmed at Cameron Mills in Exeter, with Yamaha producing a behind-the-scenes documentary that will be shared on social media later this year.

The big moment finally arrived last weekend, when a group of 15 - including the band members, their families, and JJ’s Arts Academy CIC founders Joanna and Rob Walling - flew to Vilnius in Lithuania.

After a day exploring the historic city, the band joined performers from ten different countries for a full day of rehearsals at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre.

The concert began at 5pm and featured performances from children to adults, showcasing powerful compositions and storytelling through music.

‘We were all so proud of Starlight System,’ said Joanna Walling.

‘To be selected to represent the UK at this Yamaha event is an incredible achievement.

‘From composing and mentoring to international travel and performing on a major stage—this journey proves that with creativity and teamwork, anything is possible’.