A YOUNG drumming sensation from Malvern wowed the nation after appearing on one of the country’s most famous children’s TV shows.
Nine-year-old Roseanna Gray joined hundreds of well-known names by taking home the prestigious Blue Peter badge after performing live on the CBBC show on Thursday (January 21).
Her special appearance came just months after she made front page news in the Observer when she smashed the record for being the youngest person to pass a key drumming exam.
In August last year Roseanna achieved Grade 8 in drums beating the previous record holder by five years. To achieve the fete, the talented youngster performed three songs as part of the exam including one she wrote herself.
Since Roseanna became a record breaker last summer, she has been approached by various television and radio programmes on the back of her success.
And last week the Malvern St James Girls’ School pupil got her biggest break yet when she did a solo performance live to the nation before being interviewed by a Blue Peter presenter.
Roseanna told host Lindsey Russell: “It (playing the drums) feels like I’m flying and it’s a really exciting instrument.
“When I was two my Daddy was playing the drums and taught me how to hold the drumsticks. Then when I was eight, one my Dad’s grade eight pupils left his book on a stand and Daddy said just out of fun I could try and learn the drum beats and I did it.”
Blue Peter first aired in 1958 and is the longest-running children’s TV show in the world.
The show has been presented by famous names in the world of showbiz including Janet Ellis, Anthea Turner, Konnie Huq, Richard Bacon, Gethin Jones and now sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas.
Roseanna’s dad David Gray, who worked nationally as a professional musician, said he was so proud of the way his daughter handled being in the limelight on such a big show.
“I don’t know what more I can say of her – she did brilliantly,” he said.
“To go out there and perform was a really difficult thing to do but she did it so well.
“The production team told me how impressed they all were of her talent.
“I’m sure we will watch the episode for years to come.”
Roseanna’s mum Emily added: “Seeing Roseanna perform on Blue Peter was amazing and a day to remember. The whole crew were amazing and so supportive.”
Last Thursday’s episode of Blue Peter is available to watch on BBC iPlayer’s website for the next 26 days.
Picture courtesy of Rosenana’s family.
