A FORMER Wycliffe College student has hit a high note after soaring to the top of the UK music charts.

Sam Dressel, 24, is part of the vocal group VOCES8, an eight-member choral group whose new album Eventide has shot to number one in the UK classical music chart.

According to Sam he owes his musical success to Wycliffe, where he studied music on a full scholarship before going on to study at Gonville and Calus College in Cambridge.

“Wycliffe helped me discover classical music and so many people there helped me realise the opportunities that were available out there,”said Sam, who grew up in Folly Lane and was also a member of the Stroud Choral Society.

“Classical music was always my favourite but it never occurred to me that it was something I could pursue as a career.”

Sam joined VOCES8 two years ago and while the group has won several awards it is the first time they have topped the music charts.

“It has been very exciting for me being the top selling classical album in the country especially because when I was at school I never dreamt anything like this could happen,” said Sam, whose mum Hilary remains his biggest fan.

“She comes to a lot of our concerts and was also there at the launch of our new CD although what impressed her most was meeting choirmaster Gareth Malone.”

The group perform in more than 100 concerts a year around the world.