News from
Issue No 5, 2018
Star Musician King’s bassoon player Francis Bushell (St John’s College School, Cambridge) achieved the great distinction of competing in the Woodwind Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition 2018. Francis had to pass through a rigorous selection process to reach this stage:“It was a wonderful experience”, says Francis. “Everyone was so helpful and the audience highly supportive.” He explains that he chose his programme “to represent all the different characteristics of the bassoon. It’s a wonderful
Prep pupils enjoyed the wonderful experience of singing in Canterbury Cathedral as the culmination of a Choral Day held at King’s in September.
instrument and the audience’s response is why I love playing.” Francis looks forward to a very busy time over King’s Week: “The very best time of the school year.” He has a whole series of performances scheduled including a bassoon solo and his very own concert, playing
Pupils from 14 schools attended and rehearsed during the morning and early afternoon under the guidance of Director of Music Will Bersey, and
Schubert. Francis looks forward to Cambridge where he has an offer to read Music. Beyond that he says: “I would love to be able to combine solo bassoon playing with conducting.” Hopefully Francis’ excellent performance in the BBC Young Musician Competition will have helped provide just the platform he needs.
Head of Singing Nick Todd. The Cathedral concert (with the kind permission of the Dean and Chapter) was attended by many parents and featured items by Bruckner, Elgar and Howells and closed with Bob Chilcott’s “Irish Blessing”. The school’s Crypt and Chamber Choirs also sang, as did some of the accompanying Prep school Music staff, and the audience were treated to a superb musical treat. The day was rounded off perfectly with a lovely tea in the Cathedral Chapter House.
Edited by David Hopkins, Head of Prep School Liaison (dnh@kings-school.co.uk)
Running For England Cross-Country runner Matt Stonier (Danes Hill and Junior King’s) achieved the distinction of running for the England Schools team against Wales, Scotland and Ireland at the end of March, coming 3rd overall. Matt won his place representing Kent a week earlier when he finished 2nd in a field of 242 boys from across the country. Matt, who runs with Invicta East Kent Athletic Club as well as at school, first began cross-country when he was at Danes Hill Prep before joining Junior King’s. He is pictured here with King’s Head of Cross-Country Mike Mawby, who is himself a highly accomplished England and GB runner, with a whole tally of excellent half-marathon and marathon performances. Mike comments: “It’s great to see what Matt has achieved already and we much look forward to seeing what the future holds.”