Seven young musicians from across the Shrewsbury Family of Schools have received national recognition after earning places in some of the country’s leading youth music ensembles.
Pupils from Shrewsbury, Packwood, Prestfelde and Terra Nova have secured places with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Choir, Hallé Children’s Choir and National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, reflecting the breadth of musical talent flourishing across the Family of Schools.
Leo Winkley, Headmaster and CEO of the Shrewsbury Family of Schools, said:
“Music accompanies all the major moments in life. It plays a vital part in a school community and provides the soundtrack to our lives.
“As such, it is wonderful to share in the abundance of musical talent and enjoyment across the Shrewsbury Family of Schools.”
At Prestfelde, Year 7 pupil Ethan, has been awarded a place in the Under 12 National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain as a trumpeter.
He contributes to a wide range of musical groups at Prestfelde, including the School Band, Brass Ensemble, Rock Band and Chamber Choir.
Pip Joplin, Director of Music at Prestfelde, said:
“Ethan is hugely committed to the musical life of Prestfelde, contributing to a wide range of ensembles, including the School Band, Brass Ensemble, Rock Band and Chamber Choir.
“He is a superb trumpeter who performs to a very high standard, with excellent sight-reading skills and a real understanding for ensemble playing.
“I am delighted to support Ethan’s musical development and to see his dedication, versatility and enthusiasm recognised through his NCO success. He is a real credit to the school.”
Fellow Year 7 pupil at Packwood, Rino, has also been awarded a place in the Under 12 National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain.
Rino plays an active role in musical life at Packwood, where she has weekly violin and piano lessons, leads the school’s Chamber Orchestra and a mixed quartet, and regularly performs as a soloist.
Sarah Boutwood, Director of Music at Packwood, said:
“We are delighted about Rino’s news, as is she. Rino plays a very active role in our Music Department. She has weekly violin and piano lessons and leads two ensembles – a Mixed Quartet (with violin, oboe, clarinet and horn) and the school Chamber Orchestra.
“She is very keen to make the most of her playing in other areas, and she has played solo violin parts with choir anthems, including, currently, a movement of the Faure Requiem.
“Added to that, Rino loves coming into the Music Department during free time to make music informally with her friends – often improvising or composing piano duets, trios, quartets, etc, depending on the number of friends available!”
Ethan and Rino will attend their first National Children’s Orchestra residential course at Shrewsbury during the Easter holidays.
There is further national recognition at Terra Nova, where Year 8 pupil Phoebe has been awarded a place in the National Youth Choir, while Beau and Beatrice have both been accepted into the Hallé Children’s Choir.
Claire Venables, Head of Music at Terra Nova, said:
“Our visiting music teacher and I have continuous dialogue with parents about how we can best support our musicians and singers and what opportunities are available to them in the local area and beyond.
“We regularly invite pupils to perform in concert series programmes in local towns and festivals and encourage pupils to apply for positions in the National Youth Choir and the Hallé Children’s Choir. Our singers rehearse regularly and develop through membership of our various choirs (Year3-4 choir, Senior Choir and Chamber Choir).
“They are given opportunities to perform in assembly, in recitals and at more formal events throughout the year. We offer additional rehearsals if pupils are looking to apply for a particular ensemble which can include sight singing, aural etc (whether this be vocal or instrumental). All three of these singers have lessons with Jane Jackson who is great at supporting the wider musical community at TN.”
The musical connections between the schools extend beyond these individual achievements. Pupils from the prep schools are frequently invited to join ensembles at Shrewsbury, giving younger musicians opportunities to rehearse and perform alongside senior pupils.
Rino and Ethan participate in Shrewsbury ensembles on a weekly basis, while Rino, Ethan and Phoebe are members of the School’s Symphonic Sunday Orchestra.
At Shrewsbury, Third Former and Music Scholar Tejasvi R (MSH, III) has also been accepted as a violinist into the Under 14 National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain for this academic year.
Tejasvi joined Shrewsbury in the Third Form from a distinguished musical background, having previously studied at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her selection is a tremendous achievement and recognition of her talent, dedication and hard work.
The achievements of all seven pupils reflect a shared enthusiasm for music across the Family of Schools. From choirs and ensembles to individual tuition and opportunities to perform beyond school, young musicians are encouraged to develop their abilities, pursue their interests and challenge themselves at every stage.
Furthering an exceptional set of achievements across the Family, Shrewsbury Lower Sixth pupil Hazel C (MSH, LVI) has once again been accepted into the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and this year has been appointed Principal Clarinettist.
