Simpsons character inspired musical prodigy (From This Is Lancashire)

Simpsons character inspired musical prodigy

3:12pm Thursday 20th July 2006 in

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IT was not music legends such as Charlie Parker who were the inspiration behind teenager Philip Meadows' musical ambition to become the world's greatest saxophonist . . .

It was the late great Bleeding Gums Murphy and Lisa Simpson, two characters from hit American cartoon series The Simpsons!

But now 16-year-old Philip, who has being playing the instrument for just six years, has beaten strong competition to win a place at the world famous Chethams School of Music in Manchester.

Philip of Bromley Cross, said: "It was just through watching The Simpsons that I decided I would like to play the instrument.

"I also grew up listening to jazz music because of my dad, he was always playing it."

Philip, who has just taken his GCSEs at Canon Slade, was one of 1,250 young musicians applying for just 40 places at Chethams this September.

He is lead saxophonist with Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra and was the 2005 Young Jazz Musician of the Year with Bolton Music Service.

He also won the title of Musician of the Year at Canon Slade School.

He has achieved grade eight in playing the instrument, the highest possible, and can also play the flute, piano and clarinet.

"I needed to play other instruments to increase my chances of getting in to Chethams and it also increases your opportunity in performing with a band if you can play other instruments," said Philip, who has performed across the Noth-west with the jazz orchestra as well as with semi-professional band Nostalgia. He will be taking part in the in the Wigan International Jazz Festival and Manchester Jazz Festival later this month.

His potential has also been recognised by BBC's Fame Academy, which has awarded him a bursary for £1,200 to buy a new soprano saxophone, which will replace his intermediary "student" instrument which he currently plays.