AN autistic saxophonist whose musical talents helped him improve his communication skills will perform at a talent show alongside the north west’s brightest talents later this month.

André Adams, a Year 8 pupil at Hartford High School, has been invited to perform in ‘Autism’s Got Talent’ at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, on the Wirral, on November 23.

Having won a talent show just six months after picking up a saxophone, André has gone on to shine in a number of performances and had an award named after him at Huxley Primary School after he left.

An audition for 'Autism's Got Talent' in May led to Andre becoming one of just 10 acts selected to perform at the forthcoming show, alongside 10 London West End acts who have been touring the UK on the ‘Autism Together’ charity roadshow.

His mum, Tracy, said: “As parents of André we waited years for him to talk, and it wasn’t until he found music that he found his voice.

“André was ecstatic when he found out he was chosen to take part in Autism’s Got Talent and has been busy practicing since.

“We as a family are so excited for André and his musical journey. We will continue to encourage him out of his comfort zone and use his natural gift to the max.”

All entrants for the show required an autism diagnosis and come from the north west. André will be playing a montage of three tunes during his performance, starting with 'Baker Street' on to 'Uptown Funk' and finishing with 'Havana'.

Robin Bush, Autism Together CEO, said: “We’re really excited to have André on-board at the Autism’s Got Talent roadshow.

“André and the other acts are all proof that, when it comes to talent, there is nothing that can stop you chasing your dreams.

“Everyone should be given the chance to shine regardless of disability and we can’t wait to see him and the 19 other acts perform in November.”

It’s been a busy year for André, who also enjoys drum and DJ lessons at Hartford High.

He presented the inaugural ‘Andre Adams Music Award’ at his old school in July.

Designed by him and his family, it is in the shape of a metronome and engraved with a quote from celebrated author Hans Christian Andersen – ‘where words fail, music speaks’.

It was made by Runcorn craftsman Christopher Paget and engraved by Timpson's in Northwich, who have agreed to add the winners' names for free for the next 12 years.

Tracy added: “We as a family felt other children in school had many of these talents and missed out, so we decided to create an award dedicated solely to music.

“We designed the award which was made and given by Christopher Paget, a craftsman from Runcorn, with free engraving provided by Timpsons in Northwich for the next 12 years.

“Mr Paget and Timpsons were delighted to help and encourage not only André’s future in music but other children in the future too.

“The award recognises musical talent in and out of school, to encourage and inspire up and coming musicians.”

n northwichguardian.co.uk