Handing on the baton

Greta and Eve, Heads of School 2019/20 and 2020/21

As Greta (Head of School 2019/20) hands over to Eve (Head of School 2020/21), they share their thoughts on St Mary’s Music School, their aspirations for the future and their belief in the inspiring environment of this very special ‘big small’ school. “ I am really grateful to have had the privilege of being a pupil at St Mary’s Music School and I’d like to thank all the academic staff for their infinite “ I joined St Mary’s Music School in S1 to study jazz saxophone and composition. When I first moved to Edinburgh, it was to a flat overlooking the School and patience – you showed care and interest, you I could hear music coming from the building every understood and supported us. I would like to thank day. It’s funny looking back – I never thought I would the boarding house team for making us feel at home, end up as Head of School of such a fantastic place! the kitchen staff for being open to our suggestions and everyone in the school office. I would also like to Throughout the year, with deputies Lachlan and thank the pupils, especially Momo and Phoebe, my Sophie, we are going to focus on wellbeing, raising great deputies. Finally, I’d like to thank all the music awareness of both physical and mental health. I’m and instrumental teachers for being an incredible hoping to promote the benefits of exercise and how inspiration to us all – I really don’t know enough it can help with our wellbeing – it’s something I’m words to express how grateful we are! passionate about and I feel will benefit everyone.

We often talk about supporting each other and I and seniors together more so we plan to implement think it’s fundamental to understand that everyone a buddy system to give each junior a senior to look comes from a different past. The way you play your up to and develop a friendship with. And we’re going instrument doesn’t define you as a person – you to continue Greta’s work on raising awareness of are not here to judge or be judged. You are here climate change, looking at how we can contribute by to learn and grow, as a musician and as a person. being as eco-friendly as possible – as a school and

You shouldn’t be afraid of being fragile, because as individuals. that makes you resilient. Don’t let disappointment We also thought it would be nice to bring the juniors indelibly mark you, but use it to become the person St Mary’s might be a small school, but there’s you want to be. Kindness is a true gift. Being a nice certainly a lot going on. Almost every week, Mr person takes effort and energy, everyday, so keep Stubbings organises a trip to an ‘unmissable fighting. Fight for your rights and fight even more concert’ and Dr Taylor takes pupils out running – for other people’s rights. Be curious, be critical, be rain, wind or shine – he definitely understands the inclined to listen to opinions – especially if they benefits of exercise! The school is a really supportive contrast to your own. Be more than the amazing environment where we can progress in our music as musician you already are. well as our academic studies. We receive incredible

St Mary’s Music School is a big small family. I owe a lot to this school… I owe my future to it. Greta “ opportunities that I feel are unique to the School and the teachers are always willing to dedicate time to helping and inspiring us. Eve “