A Summer of Music Success

As if the rigour of the academic year wasn’t enough, we had several students taking part in musical activities over the summer break. 

Congratulations to Zara A (L5), who took part in the Canterbury Festival of Music and Dance. She competed in 9 sections of the festival and came home with eight gold medals, one silver, and five trophies, including best vocalist across all age categories. 

Charlie B (L5) returned to the Kent County Youth Orchestra to lead the second violin section, and performed a programme that included the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. In addition to his KCYO course, Charlie joined the National Children’s Orchestra and performed music by Shostakovich, Verdi and Ravel.

Alex S (U5) honed his musical directing skills in his position of assistant MD to Trinity Youth Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Alex had been in the youth orchestra for the last two summer shows, and this year stepped up into the AMD role to learn the ins and outs of teaching a cast the music for a show.

Budding composer Bobby L (U6) has joined the Sound and Music Artist Development programme, ‘In The Making’. Alongside the residential course that took place in the summer, Bobby’s 12-month programme will grant him access to online workshops and seminars, creative brief challenges, networking, and feedback opportunities throughout the coming year. Bobby’s composition, called ‘Elevator’, is scored for chamber ensemble and live electronics. The skills built over the residential are sure to serve him well as he tackles his A-level music composition work. Well done Bobby!