PREP SENIOR

ADAM A (MAY)

My parents bought me a piano for my 5th birthday and it basically changed my life! I started playing for fun in the first year, practising nursery rhymes and seasonal songs and slowly started learning how to read music just for fun. In July this year I am sitting my Grade 4 exam and I am excited about how much I have learnt since the end of the Pandemic. My first ever public performance took place at St. Edmund’s last October at the Music Recital and I am excited about future opportunities to play at School. My dream is to get to Grade 8 and become a professional pianist and perform in the Royal Albert Hall.

IMOGEN H (MAY)

I owe my music passion to Julie Andrews and ’The Sound of Music’! From the age of 5 I could always be found singing “My Favourite Things’ and ‘Do-re-mi’ around the house, at parties, wherever I spotted an opportunity! I am lucky to have a Godfather who is a jazz musician who plays five different instruments so at the age of 6 he introduced me to a variety of instruments - saxophone, trumpet, trombone, oboe and flute. I was too small to play them but it gave me a feel for different sounds. I started with the humble recorder which was a great, accessible way to start.

My journey in Singing has been entwined with my passion for Drama, for which I was very privileged to receive a scholarship last term. My inner Julie Andrews loves to perform and challenge my voice. I have a wonderful singing teacher who encourages and stretches me (Mrs Colwell) so wish me luck with my Grade 4 exam this term! I am also in the school choir. There is nothing like the feeling of singing together in a groupit truly is the most uplifting and happy feeling.

The next few weeks are packed with performances such as Matilda, Greatest Showman, our Choir, Orchestra and Community Concert. I love that St Eds gives me so many musical opportunities and I can’t wait to perform soon.

IZZY A (JUNE)

Music and performing have been important part of my life for as long as I can remember. Aged only 4 I joined Stagecoach Performing Arts in Godalming and in the 10 years I have been there I have had the opportunity to progress through many roles; from playing ‘Gaston’ in Beauty & The Beast and most recently ‘Eva’ in Bring It On. My parts at St. Edmund’s have also shown development in the 12 years I have been at the school. From being a chorus member in Form 5 to my most recent production of Shrek where I had the honour to play ‘Fiona’. I have also participated in many concerts at St. Edmund’s and enjoy singing in choirs and on my own. I have the privilege of being a member of the Farnham Youth Choir where I sing Soprano 1 and we recently won Gold at the ‘Interkultur Choir’ competition. I have performed in many theatres outside of school such as Princess Hall in Aldershot, The Shaftsbury Theatre in the West End and soon the Cadogan Hall to sign in the world premiere of ‘Jonah’ with the Farnham Youth Choir. I am so proud of my musical achievements and excited for all yet to come!

FINLAY T (JUNE)

I started playing piano in Form 1 but my involvement in music really took off in Form 3 when I was awarded the Cathedral Choir Association choristership with Guildford Cathedral Choir. We would sing an average of five services a week and although it was an enormous commitment, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Some major highlights included singing at the Chapel Royal in St James’ Palace; being part of the Guildford Cathedral Messiah performance; singing on the BBC with the Royal Philharmonic; and several overseas tours. I left the Boys Choir in Form 8 but still perform with Guildford Cathedral Changed Voices Choir. Also in Form 3, I took up the cello and it opened up more possibilities to perform with other musicians. I recently joined Surrey County Youth Orchestra and while this is a challenge, as the standard is high, I enjoy playing with like-minded people.

I was offered a Music Scholarship on joining St Edmunds in Form 7 and the inclusive atmosphere created by Mr Fabian makes the school an enjoyable place to perform. I think the creation of the Senior Boys Choir has been a great addition.