Musical progress for talent competition finalist

Rochdale's Got Talent - Courtney Cecere

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A teenager from Rochdale who made it to the final of this year’s Rochdale’s Got Talent has made tremendous progress since the competition in May.

Courtney Cecere, 13, a pupil at Springhill High School received the Year 8 Music Award at a school ceremony held before the school finished for summer.

The award represents the hard work and progress Courtney has made throughout the year.

To add to this achievement Courtney recently got the results from her Level 5 BTEC Music programme, where she gained a distinction. Courtney was awarded 88 marks out of 100.

Starting the Level 5 of the programme was a huge jump for Courtney who completed the Level 1 last year, however, her teachers were confident she could make the grade- and she did.

Next year Courtney’s teachers are providing her with another leap, the Level 7 in BTEC Music. Staff at the school hope by the time Courtney is in year 10 she will complete the BTEC at Level 8, a rare achievement for somebody of Courtney’s age.

Speaking about her progress since the competition, Courtney said: “Things are going really good, I am really pleased with myself. I couldn’t have got this far without the help of my teachers.”

Although fame might be something Courtney is still dreaming of she was surprised to learn that pupils at her school had set her singing to their mobile phone ring tones following a school performance.

She said: “I was really shocked when I heard the music as they were walking down the street.”

“Since Rochdale’s Got Talent I have had a real confidence boost, I am prepared to push myself and I am really enjoying what I am doing.

“My mum is with me all the way, so is my Nana, she always wants me to sing but it makes her cry,” Courtney added.

When Courtney sang at a school awards presentation recently the teacher introducing her said “Courtney has the voice of an angel.”

Courtney’s mum, Tracy said: “I am so proud of Courtney; it isn’t just music that she is way ahead in, she is doing well in all her classes, but, music is what she is interested in, it isn’t about being a pop star, she enjoys making people smile and making them happy.

“She isn’t happy when she sings unless she gives me goose bumps, she feels like she hasn’t done it right.”

Tracy added: “Things are really taking off for Courtney; about a year ago we thought she could sing after she sang on Singstar, when she finally sang in front of her teacher they realised there was something there.

“If it wasn’t for Courtney’s teachers, Mr Eden and Miss Moon she wouldn’t have the confidence she has now.”

Courtney has lots to look forward to in the future, including singing at weddings of family and friends and possibly performing at the Rochdale Christmas lights switch on.