Tranby Music Success 2021

Welcome to this ‘Music Success’ publication highlighting the range of musical talent of our pupils throughout the school and amongst our alumni community. Many of our pupils not only represent the school in a range of musical events, they also train with and perform at local, county and national levels. We understand that music complements all other aspects of school life; we therefore celebrate music successes and nurture the potential of those involved in music through encouraging musical concerts outside of school and even through flexibility of timetabling to allow additional training for our very top musicians. The discipline, persistence, hard work and determination to succeed demonstrated by each pupil represented here is to be admired. I hope you enjoy reading about their journeys and we look forward to watching them all continue to flourish.

ALEX WILSON HEADMISTRESS

tempo canticum genus melodiae.”

“A

MUSIC

Music is at the heart of our School. The position of the teaching rooms in the old building means that evocative sounds of harps, strings, voices, guitars and drums perpetually waft into the main foyer and corridors.

But it’s also at the heart of a broad and rich education, developing pupils’ sensitivity, community spirit, discipline, expressive maturity and cultural literacy.

Every week over 180 individual music lessons on all types of instrument and voice take place in school, given by a team of the very best, inspirational visiting teachers. This is combined with engaging and rigorous class teaching from Year 7 to A Level, aiming to help all pupils develop their practical and creative abilities, and also to enhance their love of all types of music from Bach to Billie Eilish and from Bali to Bangalore.

Many pupils have progressed to top UK universities and conservatoires in recent years to study and work at the highest levels. Workshops are staged at least once a year (recently we have had special sessions from Indian musicians, Gamelan workshops, folk music, jazz, etc.) as well as trips to see shows (recently ‘Wicked’ in the West End) and also to perform in larger events.

Our varied extra-curricular program involves larger groups (e.g. orchestra, string orchestra and jazz band) and smaller dedicated chamber groups (e.g. guitar group, percussion ensemble). Our choirs perform many times throughout the year both inside school at events such as Remembrance and Christmas, and outside school; in recent years we have given public concerts at Hull Minster and Beverley Minster. We also stage regular musical shows in collaboration with the Drama department and organise music tours abroad.

All this has one main aim: to give pupils lifelong and life changing experiences through an engagement with and love of music in all its forms.

MR WEBB DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

JAYMIE

YEA R

Jaymie started playing just after Christmas in Year 2 when she was 6 years old. She enjoyed playing the violin and the initial learning which seemed to have been undertaken by a few of her friends too.

Violin teacher, Mrs Penny is always so patient and her teaching and support has never faltered throughout. At the end of Year 2 Jaymie had a little wobble and thought of stopping the violin as she started to find it a little hard, but soon changed her mind and hasn’t looked back.

Throughout the lockdown and disruption to school, she missed a few weeks while lessons over teams were arranged but Jaymie still continued to play. Remote lessons began and although different to inside the classroom, she rose to the challenge and thrived on the chance to see Mrs Penny and to continue her learning. They even managed a fabulous remote rendition of ‘Sword Dance’.

Jaymie’s confidence has grown with her music and herself. She takes part in a weekly strings club which is the highlight of every Thursday. Jaymie has just taken her Grade 1 exam after confidently achieving a distinction in her primary.

Jaymie’s inspiration is partly from her late grandad who was a keen musician and played the violin, the piano and the organ for his local church. Jaymie has just been gifted her very own violin in electric blue for working so hard. She can’t wait to be able to start playing it.

JAYMIE SAID

JAYMIE’S

‘‘I’m proud of myself for not giving up and would like to continue to achieve more grades and make my family and School proud.’’

MUM SAID

‘‘I believe Mrs Penny and Tranby have helped Jaymie develop and explore her musical talent, I cannot believe how far she has come in such a short time.’’

4

Jaymie is 9 years old and her love for music, dance and the violin is evident. Jaymie was desperate to start playing the violin at school and as soon as the opportunity arose she was asking.

‘‘I remember Alan saying that Stella often says’ I won’t be able to do that bit.’ but then surprises him with how quickly she does.

I believe it is down to Stella’s determination to succeed, Alan’s expert teaching and the fabulous rapport he has with her.’’

Stella started her

musical

journey three years ago. Even at 6 years old, Stella was adamant that drums was her thing. There was concern that her feet might not be able to reach the pedals, but after impressing Mr Drever-Smith in her provisional percussion lesson, he agreed that Stella could start and she was over the moon.

The first highlight of her school drumming career was a coffee concert in front of the Prep School and parents.

At just 7 years old Stella had everyone smiling with her performance of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’. Stella loves to play anything current from ‘I Am a Giant’ to ‘Happy’ and comes alive when she is banging those drums. However, without the faith and talent of music teacher, Mr Drever-Smith and the vision of Mrs Kell, to start offering peri lessons to 6 and 7 year olds, Stella wouldn’t have her passion for the drums.

In Year 4, Stella decided to take up the violin too. She enjoyed her lessons with Mrs Penny so much that she joined the ‘String Fantastic’ club, which is one of the many music clubs on offer at Tranby.

During lockdown the music lessons went online and Stella’s lessons with Mr Drever-Smith and Mrs Penny became another lifeline to the School. For Stella, music is a way to express herself and if she isn’t on the football pitch she is giving family members a rock or classical concert at home.

STELLA'S MUM SAID

SUSANNAH YEA R 6

She joined the East Riding Suzuki Violin Group when she started to play the violin. Playing with the group has been a highlight for her. The group is fun for all the children and the younger children are inspired to keep practising and working hard so that, over the years, they can get better at the violin and play like the older children.

Susannah has had to work very hard at learning to play the violin. She is naturally musical, but the violin requires a lot of technique and skills which have to be practised and perfected over time. Susannah has had to practise at least 3 or 4 times per week. It has been hard at times, but she has persevered and is really glad, now, that she never gave up. In the future, Susannah hopes to play her violin in an orchestra. She says that the best part of playing the violin is playing music with other people.

Susannah started to play the saxophone at Tranby, when she was 9 years old. Her dad used to play the saxophone and his saxophone was in the house. Because of this, from the time she was about 8, she would take it out and ask her Dad to teach her how to play it. We quickly realised that Susannah had a natural ability to play the saxophone. She also really enjoyed teaching herself how to play the Pink Panther tune. Tranby have helped hugely with Susannah’s saxophone journey. The Tranby Trust have paid for her saxophone lessons since she started learning at the beginning of Year 5. Susannah loves playing the saxophone and Mrs Dixon has made it such fun to learn. Susannah achieved a distinction for her grade 1 exam, and she is currently working towards her Grade 2 exam.

Susannah is looking forward to playing her saxophone in the Tranby windband, when she goes to Senior School.

Susannah started learning to play the violin when she was 5 years old. Taught following the Suzuki method, Susannah learned initially, to play by ear. As the years progressed, Susannah also learned to read music.

‘‘I enjoy music very much and I can’t wait for when all restrictions are lifted and when we can do live school performances again. I love performing and listening to a variety of music. I am really looking forward to going to see Andre Rieu in concert next April.

My family and friends have been very supportive of me progressing and encourage me to learn and create what I enjoy. There are also many musical artists that introduce new styles to me and inspire me. I love Freddie Mercury and Q ueen’s almost operatic quality to their music. At the moment I enjoy listening to jazz music, blues and pop songs. I hope I can continue to improve through music and I am proud to have been awarded this scholarship.”

AVA

YEA R 7

Ava has been playing music since she was 6 years old. Starting with the piano, it soon became clear that she had a natural and sophisticated ear for the instrument. She would often learn complex pieces without reading a single note.

S he now plays 4 instruments; the piano, the violin, the clarinet, and recently started with the saxophone. She has played at a variety of concerts, musical showcases and entered and won awards at Hornsea music festival. Unfortunately Ava hasn’t yet had the opportunities to perform much publically and really embrace her music scholarship awarded to her at the end of Year 6 for her life at Tranby Senior School. However lockdown did give Ava the opportunity to entertain the whole street where she lives in Swanland by religiously playing the violin every Thursday evening during the ‘Clap for Carers’, Ava selected the pieces herself and learned them all within a few days, playing moving and relevant songs such as ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ ‘You’ll never walk alone’ and ‘Hallelujah’. She even narrowly missed out appearing on ITV’s calendar with her weekly offerings!

She is currently practising for her Grade 4 piano exam, Grade 5 clarinet and Grade 4 violin. She is also hoping to join the Hull Junior youth orchestra soon.

We are thrilled that Ava has been given this opportunity at Tranby to excel in her music. She has a geniune passion for it and this shines through in the way she plays all of her instruments. We cannot wait to see what the future brings for her.’’

AVA SAID

AVA’S PARENTS SAID

ABIGAIL

She took up violin at school and she also started classical singing lessons around the age of 10 and became a chorister at Beverley Minster around the age of 11.

Abi applied for a scholarship in music and art at Tranby for Year 7 and we are very grateful to Mr Webb for recognising her potential and helping her achieve it. We know this is a fantastic opportunity in her music progression and she loves her school.

She enjoys taking part and performing in music festivals, at school concerts, and at the Minster; Abigail even performed to hundreds at Hull City Hall with a full orchestra for the Snowman (Carrot productions).

Abigail is currently preparing for grade 8 in both piano and singing and continues to be a chorister at Beverley Minster.

ABIGAIL'S PARENTS SAID

‘‘As parents we love watching her progress and develop and we are thankful to her teachers and the School for supporting her and helping her achieve her full potential.’’

YEA R 9

Abigail started Suzuki piano lessons age 6 and it soon became apparent she had a natural flair for music!

MEGAN

A memorable time involved Megan singing the opening verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ as a solo in Beverley Minster to a very large audience. The choir were fortunate to travel to Barcelona in 2019, the highlight being where Megan sung the opening verse of ‘Suo Gan’ in Welsh in Barcelona Cathedral.

During lockdown Megan re-wrote the lyrics of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman, and re-named it ‘This is Mean’ in support of the NHS. The song was about the coronavirus pandemic and how grateful we all are for the NHS and attracted 675,000 views on social media. Megan set up a fundraising page with the song and raised £700 for the NHS. Megan entered the Teenstar Competition and made it to the semi-finals through which she was contacted by The Voice Kids to an audition. Unfortunately, Megan was unsuccessful but has been asked to audition again for the 2022 show.

In 2017, Megan won ‘Tranby’s Got Talent’, with the song ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman, and just recently, Megan came first in the school’s ‘’Lip Sync Battle’, with a sassy version of ‘Forget You’ by Gwyneth Paltrow (Glee). Megan is always inspired by shows such as Glee, and whenever she hears a song

Megan was part of the Prep Choir and currently belongs in the Tranby Chorus in the Senior School and enjoys taking part in the many concerts and services that are held at Tranby, Beverley Minster and Hull Minster.

that she loves, she instantly tries to imitate it. Her song writing skills are also improving all of the time. Playing the piano is another passion for Megan, She is working towards the Grade 4 exam in July 2021 – so maybe one day Megan could be the next Birdy!

‘‘Tranby has always been extremely encouraging towards Megan giving her the confidence in her talents. We are immensely proud of her and can’t thank Tranby enough.’’

‘‘The School’s music department has been really supportive and I have had so many opportunities and a lot of fun. I am excited to continue music for my GCSEs and look forward to the many more opportunities that lie ahead.’’

MEGAN SAID

MEGAN'S MUM SAID

JOSEPH

YEA R 11

Joseph started his musical journey when he was in Year 3. After seeing someone playing the violin on the television, he asked his parents to buy one so he could play. He started violin lessons at school and then switched to playing the viola which was more suited to his style.

Over the nine years Joseph has played the viola, he has represented the School in music festivals across Hull in solo, group and orchestral classes, and has been placed 1st in a number of these.

Joseph has been a member of the Hull Orchestras including the City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra for many years. These have allowed him to not only meet new people but widen his musical knowledge and ability. It has also allowed him to experience some amazing events including performing in the Royal Albert Hall in front of hundreds of people in 2018 and taking part in many concerts at Hull City Hall.

‘‘It is always a joy seeing Joseph grow in his musical ability and confidence. I am very grateful to his music teachers and Tranby for nurturing his talent and helping him attain a wonderful presence on stage.’’

‘‘The music department at Tranby has really allowed me to showcase my talent to everyone, it's also allowed me to reach my full potential and achieve great things. I see music as an outlet and something to take my mind off day-to-day life. Anytime I play the likes of Beethoven or Mozart I lose myself in the beautiful nature of the music. Music in my eyes really allows people to express themselves via the medium of notes and sound, it really unlocks a person’s true potential and always gives them something to talk about. Thanks to my music teacher of nine years Mrs Penny, who has helped me achieve such amazing things. I would highly recommend for anyone who is interested in music to try it out and see where it takes them.’’

JOSEPH SAID

JOSEPH'S DAD SAID

The Music Department has given Eleanor numerous opportunities to develop her performance skills. She has performed in countless school concerts and competed regularly in the local music festivals. One of her highlights was performing in Barcelona during the school music trip in 2019 in the Girona Cathedral, Institut De Tossa De Mar and at the Barcelona Cathedral. Eleanor described this as amazing! A further highlight was performing L’Estro Armonico at the Hull Minster at the school’s Vivaldi Concert. She played a solo accompanied by a professional, full string orchestra. This is an experience Eleanor will remember for the rest of her life.

‘‘The School has given Eleanor tremendous encouragement, support and so many opportunities throughout her musical journey. Her love of music was formed at Tranby and will remain with her for life. As a parent I am delighted that Eleanor decided to take music lessons and music A Level. As well as being very enjoyable, she has developed additional life skills of confidence and discipline.”

ELEANO R

YEA R 12

Eleanor started violin lessons in Year 4 and found it very challenging at first, but with expert tuition and lots of encouragement from the Music Department she soon began to make good progress. After many hours of practice, Eleanor is due to take her grade eight examination in May 2021.

Eleanor is currently studying A Level music and is thoroughly enjoying the course and is involved in lots of musical activities outside of school. She is a first violinist in the City of Hull Youth Orchestra. where she rehearses on Friday evenings and regularly performs in concerts at the Hull City Hall. Eleanor also attends Yorkshire Young Musicians on Sundays, which is a scheme for exceptionally talented young musicians in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Here, she studies Improvisation, Dalcroze and Ensemble. She also studies the piano at Yorkshire Young Musicians and is currently working towards her grade five examination.

In July 2020, she was very honoured to be the second ever recipient of the Barbara Twigg Memorial Prize at Yorkshire Young Musicians. This prize is awarded for ‘significant contribution, hard work, dedication and being an all - round good egg’!

Eleanor was also delighted to be awarded an Honorary Music Scholarship from the school in July 2019 for progress and services to Senior School music.

ELEANOR’S MUM SAID

SCHOOL CONCE R TS

ALUMNI

ELIZABETH DALY

( aka LILO)

I enjoyed GCSE Music with Mr Webb and particularly the lessons using Sibelius when I learnt to compose a short piece - this gave me my first insight into writing music. I was also very happy to pass my ABRSM grade 8 piano at 15. I enjoyed my time as a soprano in the Senior Choir.

Whilst taking a break from revising for my A Levels I wrote a song using simple guitar chords and I played it to my mum. She loved it and from then on I was pretty much addicted to writing songs.

I went to study for a degree at Leeds College of Music. I had lots of fun, met great people and joined the Pop Choir, but it wasn’t right for me; I wanted to get out into the world; to gig, network, write and learn about the business.

After I left Leeds College of Music I spent every day writing, practising, and building an audience online. I performed around Hull in bars and also twice at the annual Humber Street Sesh.

I attended a songwriting bootcamp where a lady listened to my songs; she told me to send her everything I’d written. A couple of weeks later I heard from a producer based in London who loved my songs and wanted to work with me. We met and started working together in the studio recording my songs. In January 2020 I moved to London and started gigging and also teaching the piano part time at a music school.

I released my first song in August 2020 and so far have released six more. My songs are regularly played on Radio Humberside Introducing and also on other regional introducing programmes.

Covid has been terrible for the music industry but I’ve used this time to improve my brand, build a website, increase my audience and learn from my fantastic producer, vocal coach and others, with a view to being signed by a record label!

Whilst a pupil at Tranby, at age 4 I started having piano lessons with Mrs Lyons. The more I learnt the more I loved the piano and I started taking the ABRSM exams. I had guitar lessons with Mr Brown which I really enjoyed - I chose the Rock School syllabus and it was the perfect contrast to the classical piano pieces.

LEONO R A B R OOKS

Icame to the school already intending to audition for drama school in Year 13 to study Musical Theatre, and I am now on the BA Hons Dance and Musical Theatre course at Bird College in London. was in a one-to-one class for the majority of my A Level Music course, and the lessons were always ones to look forward to. Mr Webb worked very collaboratively with me in order to ensure I gained the most I could from the course and walked into my exam confident and prepared. Throughout the development of my coursework, Mr Webb devoted a lot of time both during and outside of classes to help me produce the highest level of work that I could. I finished the course feeling very proud of what I had achieved, and the work I produced in performance and composition coursework is work that I am still proud of to this day.

The extra-curricular opportunities I was given by the music department throughout my two years were incredible, ranging from performing a solo in a concert of Verdi’s work at Hull Minster, to putting on two concerts of my own for staff, parents and students to attend as fundraisers. In addition, I was invited to perform at countless school events, allowing me to gain experience in performing my music, in turn improving my confidence and stage presence.

These opportunities honed my skills and challenged me to perform material outside my comfort zone, making me an all-round better musician. Not to mention you could always count on Mr Webb to make the experiences as fun as possible.

Studying A Level Music allowed me not only to improve my performance of Musical Theatre material, but also gave me the skills to analyse and appraise the material to a high standard, which has proved to be very valuable in my further training.

The academic skills I learned in my A Level classes have allowed me to enter my degree training with a wide knowledge base and confidence in reading and appraising music that has aided me countless times. I am confident that in the future these skills will aid me in auditions and while working in the theatre industry, with possibility for me to take on higher responsibilities in shows such as vocal captain.

I came to Tranby in Year 12 to study my A Levels, with one of my choices being Music.

OLIVIA HE W ITT-JONES

During my time at Tranby we were constantly encouraged to get involved with all aspects of the music department, whether it was guitar club or senior choir there was something for everyone! One of my favourite memories with the Tranby music department has to be when we travelled to London to perform at the Lyceum Theatre, where I was fortunate enough to be able to perform a solo. As someone who is training in Musical Theatre having the opportunity to sing on a West End stage was electric and an experience that I will always be grateful to the Tranby music department for.

When I was in Year 3 at Tranby I began having weekly private singing lessons, which I continued all the way to leaving the school age 18. Again, it wasn’t until I left that I realised how privileged I was to be in an institution that provided professional tutoring and has given me skills that I still use daily in my training. Through these sessions I was able to get my singing to an extremely high technical level, learn in depth about music theory and take ABRSM exams. I was also provided with the much needed guidance when it came to choosing and working on audition materials for my drama school auditions. I truly do not believe I would be the singer that I am today had it not have been for my weekly singing lessons and I am so thankful that I was encouraged to take part in them by the music department! As well as singing, I also had

weekly saxophone lessons. Learning an instrument is such a valuable skill and something that the school encourages everyone to do. It taught me discipline and perseverance and mostly was a lot of fun! I have fond memories of playing the theme tune to Hawaii Five-0 with the school’s wind band in one of their regular concerts.

Looking back I am eternally grateful that Tranby encouraged me to embrace music in all aspects. The music department were such a huge part of my Tranby experience. They spotted a talent in me and pushed me to be the best I could possibly be, supporting me every step of the way and giving me the skills I needed to head into professional training.

It wasn’t until leaving Tranby that I realised how fortunate I was to have been at a school that valued music so much.

OLIVIA THOMPSON

Iwas given the opportunity to learn a more ‘pop’ orientated instrument, and once I started my weekly bass guitar lessons with guitar tutor Mr Brown, I knew that it was what I wanted to form my career around. These fantastic and motivating 1:1 instrumental lessons as well as the brilliant GCSE and A Level music courses allowed me to successfully audition for the Royal Northern College of Music, and I began my study on their Popular Music Programme with my principal instrument being bass guitar.

The music department at Tranby taught me a diverse range of skills that has been a massive help during my time at the RNCM. Although a popular music course, the classical theory knowledge I learned at Tranby enabled me to progress smoothly through the classical orientated modules with understanding, and the extensive ear training and practice encouraged by Mr Brown meant that I began my next chapter in Manchester with the confidence and skills to progress into professional work with ease.

I graduated from the RNCM in 2020, and throughout my time there and up to now I’ve worked with artists such as Little Mix, Zara Larsson, Brit Award winner Griff, Raye and

Becky Hill as well as many others, and have performed on platforms such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Brit Awards, BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, and most recently supported The Script with Becky Hill on their 2019-2020 UK and European arena tour.

I couldn’t have progressed through my music career and time at music college without the help of the amazing resources, and well rounded and extensive music training that Tranby offers. The school’s long running passion for music and its extensive history with it is very evident in the range of ensembles and the effort that is put into musical events. The importance with which Tranby holds music is definitely a rare thing found in schools today. I would encourage any current Tranby pupils to pursue music through Tranby, especially taking advantage of the diverse range of instrumental lessons available, covering a range of styles to suit whatever speaks to you the most, and would absolutely encourage students to pursue a career in music.

I attended Tranby from Nursery through to Year 13. Everything from learning the flute to singing in choirs, playing in orchestras and taking part in after school music theory groups helped me progress through the ABRSM theory and flute exams.

R ACHEL BA R NES

Rachel loved music from a young age and was delighted to be awarded a music scholarship when she started at Tranby. She is now an actor and incorporates her music talents in her work, especially in theatre.

Most recently she has performed in the gigtheatre shows Canary And The Crow (Arcola Theatre), Joan Of Leeds (New Diorama Theatre) and SugarCoat (Vaults Festival) which between them have incorporated her playing piano, cello, bass guitar and drums, as well as singing, alongside acting.

‘‘Music at Tranby was so informative for me. The department took something I loved and gave me opportunities to really run with it. I loved my peripatetic lessons and threw myself into as many lunch time music activities as possible - and what a selection to choose from!

I gained huge amounts of confidence from all the opportunities to perform in school events and concerts which has been invaluable to me. The breadth of musical knowledge and experience I left school with was second to none and I am forever grateful for the unwavering support of my teachers of my journey into a career in the arts.’’

RACHEL SAID