ANDY HILL
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Celebrating years of magnificent music!
Talbot Heath Independent School for Girls aged 3-18
A collection of fon d memor ies, Ju ly 2020
Mr Hill, I remember you being one of the ‘cool’ teachers - not that there was much competition at TH in 1990! The opening of the music school, the thwarted ‘royal’ visit, Bonnie and I roaming around the music school feeling like we owned the place. I remember vividly you teaching us Vivaldi Gloria for our GCSE’s. Your relaxed style of teaching was most likely put to the test on our trips to Amsterdam and Salzburg. Do you remember doing a concert at a refugee camp with kids flying paper aeroplanes all over the place?! It was so lovely to see you again at the open day. Enjoy some peace and quiet - you deserve it!!! Much love, Kate Royal
Mr Hill, I have so many happy memories of your A Level Music lessons, your great sense of humour being the overriding one. (Obviously Janàček too!)
You also had the honour of teaching me the lifetime skill of raising a single eyebrow - a skill that has served me well through my many years of teaching and parenting!
Thank you for all of your hard work and enthusiasm and dedication to education. Enjoy your next adventure. X Clare Fitzgerald, nee Jennings, 1994
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I remember not that long after Freddie Mercury died Mr Hill taught us Bohemian Rhapsody - every time I hear the song I’m grateful that Mr Hill made us aware that such a seminal artist had passed away and we were connected to a moment in modern musical history - not sure if it was on the curriculum but it was a definite highlight! Louisa Norman, 1998
Hello Mr Hill, Wishing you every happiness during this next part of your life. Thank you for all the enthusiasm and energy you gave to Talbot Heath. Music was most definitely not my strongest subject, but I really enjoyed your lessons (and the variety of ties!). With very best wishes Joanna Solomides, née Buchanan, 2000
Great memories of the Salzburg and Netherlands music trips. Thanks for introducing us to Rite of Spring - still one of my favourites. All the best for the future. Amy Williams, 1997
Your wry sense of humour was always valued especially in Junior School plays. Enjoy your retirement- I bet you’ll be just as busy! With love Meg Meg Wood, née Spencer, 2012
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It seems unbelievable that it's already a quarter of a century since I stalked the corridors of the Music School at TH!
I'm sure we were the only school with the Sex Pistols in the CD collection, and I suspect that might have been your doing!
I have such great memories of singing Beatles and more in our class lessons, music trips to Holland and Salzburg, Bohemian Rhapsody with the senior choir, operas from scratch, a bazillion ensembles and so much more... I suppose I must have learned something in the analysis lessons too, since I ended up with a PhD in music and a university lectureship :) Thanks for such an incredible wealth of musical experiences at TH. Wishing you an enjoyable and musical retirement. Abigail Wood, 1995 M e m o r i e s
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Dear Mr. Hill, I very much doubt you'll remember me as I wasn't particularly musical or 'involved' and at TH between 1997 and 2004, right near the start of your 30 year stint. Even so, I may have had no impact on you but you most certainly had one on me.
It is because of you I have the urge to draw 'what I see' every time I hear 'Hall of the mountain King', I have the urge to name all the instruments I can hear when I watch 'Fantasia' and I have the urge to grab the nearest handbell during the festive season - thanks to my short stint in the lunchtime handbell club.
You were a great teacher and a step ahead of the rest, being the newest and youngest in the school whilst I was there. Approachable, kind, patient and forward thinking. A great teacher. I wish you all the best and hope you realise that you impacted lots of us, even those you don't remember. Mary Anne Davis, 2004
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Hi Mr Hill, I was sad to hear of your leaving TH and I had planned on attending your leaving concert in April to say my goodbyes, so it was a shame we couldn't catch up in person. I have such fond memories of music at TH with you and Miss Williams, singing in the choir every week, playing in the orchestra at school concerts and especially the musicals that you put on: Guys and Dolls, the Sound of Music and Joseph. You really inspired me and developed my love of music and definitely made it one of the best things about my school experience. My sister Kirsty and I still sing the duets we sang in concerts at school and the Beatles and Les Mis medleys we sang in the choir! Thank you for everything and best wishes for the future. Lara Small, 2013 Enjoy your retirement Mr Hill! One of my first memories of school was our class watching Scott of the Antarctic with you and Mr Welling (don’t mention what happened to the ponies...). Great memories of music at school and it’s a hobby I still enjoy to this day so thank you. All the best. Sara Victoria Hunt, née Copping, 2000
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Studying music A Level at TH was an absolute joy and has certainly left me with some wonderful memories of my school years. I used to love our lessons of just 3 with the very fun Mr Hill - he certainly had a different teaching style to Mr Wellington who used to fill me with fear! I look back on those years which seemed to be spent filled with laughter and classical music, although despite Mr Hill's best effort, I'm still not a fan of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. In the sixth form I drove a rust bucket car into school nicknamed 'Hell on wheels' partly because the number plate was HEL and I remember always getting in early so I could spend some time at the beginning of my day in the music school. I also remember endless rehearsals for various music groups run by Mr Hill especially the production of Britten's Noye's Fludde in a very big and very cold church in Parkstone (?). Mr Hill - you must be one of the youngest members of staff to retire (right?!) but I hope you have a VERY long a musically filled retirement. You have without a doubt created some very happy memories for many, many pupils and have inspired a deep love of the subject in me. I will always be grateful for the wonderful, passionate and nurturing education you provided for your subject. Emma Dorey, nĂŠe Colquhoun, 1999
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End of an era! 1987; me, new to form 1; you, a newly qualified music teacher. From glorious chorus of "Football Crazy" and "Boiled Beef and Carrots" in the old music teaching rooms, through orchestra, choir, a new music block, Salzburg (pancake soup and Mozart balls), GCSE & A-level music, and onto St Aldhelm's orchestra and a B.Mus. So many good times! Amy Williams and I still joke about Du Parc (all ze time) and Meyerbeer (be passed to me regularly) as well as use of "finger quotation marks". Much much more than just school memories (and with the combined forces of Legrove, Platt, Welling, Hallam, Koos, Nash, Priest and Courtney) you've given not just a skill for life, but a source of joy for life. Although I had a few years of not playing after the music degree, I've since returned to very very regular trombone playing in all sorts of ensembles. I've got the most eclectic taste in music, and if there's not music on I'm usually singing. I've become the singing anaesthetist at work - and even though you once told me I sounded "like a bass who'd lost his hymn book" the staff don't seem to mind and the patients can't complain! I've mentally survived this pandemic thanks to regular trombone practice, a lot of singing, and everything from Bach to Barbra Streisand - with a heavy smattering of musical theatre! The best times in my life have been performing music and I've made the most amazing friends. So, thank you, not only for an entertaining and informative education but also for a truly valuable life skill! Hope you have a very happy retirement - might see you at a gig soon! Rosie Connell, 1998
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So many memories ;-) But I guess the best place to start is your very first lesson with us when I was still pretty small (not that that ever really changed!).
We were so impressed to have a young male teacher with a sense of humour at last! I really don't know how you put up with all us giggling girls, but you did a great job - and always made us laugh in lessons and concerts by raising one eyebrow and making dry comments ;-)
I seem to remember you nicknamed Jennie and me the terrible twins because we were always laughing?! Thank you for bringing a much-needed new modern twist to TH music with your love of Queen - I'll always remember singing Barcelona and of course Bohemian Rhapsody with your famous rendition of mama mia in falsetto - a brilliant experience for both the choir and orchestra. And on a more classical note, of course the production of Noah's Ark in the church when I danced the dove and my Dad played the voice of God... Oh and the music trips to Salzburg and Holland were so much fun :-) I'm sure all the teachers (you, Adam Watkinson, Jane Platt, Mr. Welling) unexpectedly did mad dancing at the hotel disco in Salzburg?! But now you're leaving TH and my son already knows all the words to Bohemian Rhapsody how can time fly by so quickly? So I wish you all the best for the future - stay happy and healthy and don't forget us :-) Alexandra Spann, nee Carter, 1995 As an overseas student studying in the UK for the first time back then, attending your lessons certainly was one of the highlights during my time at Talbot Heath. Music lessons could be nerve-racking at times, especially when there were only 2 persons in the class (myself and Sophia Rayne), but I was glad that I could complete all those composing assignments under your guidance. Thank you for being a great and fun teacher. Continue to make good music, enjoy life, and I wish you good health and good luck in your next adventure! Best wishes, Grace Yu (Hong Kong) 1991
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Dear Mr Hill (sorry, force of habit, can't call you Andy even though now grown-up!!)
Thank you so much for all the wonderful years of music at TH - particularly teaching Soph, Sarah and I for A-level music. Thank you for making everything so much fun and putting up with us torturing you with Andrew Lloyd-Webber and my truly terrible attempts at Bach-esque harmonies.
Sorry for endlessly talking with Soph and Sel through chamber choir, orchestra, and basically anything we were in - well done for not murdering us!
When I look back, I'm really amazed by how many opportunities we had to play and sing and generally grow to love music. Your enthusiasm and fantastic leadership of the music department (with Elaine) made all that possible.
I am so grateful to you and wish you a long and happy retirement.
Lots of love, Abi Sharpe, nĂŠe Macdonald, 2002
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I have so many incredible memories of Music at TH from the choir, chamber choir, and countless productions along with your music lessons. I so appreciate what you did for us, all those out of hours rehearsals and lunchtime concerts always approached with humour and enthusiasm. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunities to grow in my singing and personal confidence. I wish you a very happy retirement, time to put your feet up! Lots of love Emma Hockey, 2013 Thanks for so many happy memories of music at TH - hilarious A level classes, fabulous concerts, and so many fun performance opportunities. I’m sure we added a few grey hairs what with forgotten music, dropped saxophones (and a mad dash across London!) and coursework tantrums, but you truly inspired me with a love of music and performing. I certainly have you and Elaine to blame for becoming a musician..! All the best for the next stage! Love Sophie Lawson, nÊe Parkhouse, 2002
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I always remember Mr Hill making me laugh so much in our music lessons! He has such a wicked sarcastic sense of humour that as we grew up we learnt to appreciate even more.
He was hilarious when I was 3, and even more hilarious when I left at age 18.
He is a brilliant teacher and always made our music lessons so enjoyable. He thoroughly deserves a relaxing retirement! Tiffany Hannam-Daniels, 2013 M e m o r i e s
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To Dear Mr Hill Thank you for your great humour, endless patience (but why would you need that?!) and most importantly your passionate support of musicians at the school. I am so glad you are retiring - now you’ll have time to finish that Cello Concerto ! With love, Natalie M e m o r i e s
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What can I say? Thank you for the most amazing 22 years of being the best boss/colleague/mentor/friend/ confidante/rock anyone could ever wish for.
So many memories: Vienna, Lucerne, Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, numerous Josephs, Young Voices, concerts, trips to London but most of all the fun we have had in the day to day lessons and activities in the department. Oh, and we mustn’t forget Zappy! I will miss you so very much every single day. Loads of love, Elaine
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It has been great fun working alongside Andy. We seem to have taken it in turns to stitch each other up, from the time when he started the Carol Service without me in the hall and I had to walk down to the first verse of 'Once in Royal David's City', to the time I started School birthday without him and all the guests - only realising when it came to singing the first hymn and he was not there. On many an occasion he has raised an eyebrow at me, as things have unravelled in assembly. He has watched me stab the school birthday cake with a knife, not realising it was polystyrene, has decorated the school Christmas tree in such a way as to make me laugh while on stage, sung Latin anthems with highly unusual lyrics at services.... ah the list goes on. He has been a great colleague and Director of Music and will be sorely missed. He has been part of the fabric of Talbot Heath for over three decades and has seen generations of pupils go on to pursue music professionally. I shall miss saying those immortal words
'Mr Hill... please can we have the hymn' Andy, I wish you a very happy retirement - may your cup always overflow. Angharad Holloway, Head
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Andy Hill was one of the youngest members of staff when I joined Talbot Heath in 1991. The Music School had only just been built and with the opening of the Pre-Prep department a few years later, Mr Hill and his colleagues had the challenge of creating a rich musical experience for pupils from 4 to 18.
In addition to the curriculum, girls enjoyed a wide range of performance opportunities, both in and out of school at venues in this country and abroad. M e m o r i e s
Smaller groups and ensembles won competitions nationally: who can forget Natalie Clein's success as Young Musician of the Year or award winning 00Sax's unforgettable "gig" at the Labour Party conference in 1999? Generations of Talbot Heathens have reason to be grateful to Mr Hill and I join them in wishing him a long, healthy and happy retirement. Christine Dipple, former Head.
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Well Andy, what can I say! I have probably known you the longest of everyone at school, I remember music lessons and learning Bohemian Rhapsody In class, I still know all the lyrics now! I remember the opening of the music school and my little sister Kit giving the flowers to the Duchess of a Kent, my. mum still has the photo. I have really enjoyed working with you and Elaine and our trips to the O2, even if we had to put up with the other Andy from Urban Striders! I wish you an amazing retirement enjoy the peace and quiet ! Jo Brown M e m o r i e s
Dear Andy, I'm so sorry you're leaving but do enjoy your retirement - like I am! You will leave a 'big hole' where your dedication and hard work over the years has helped to produce so many talented musicians at Talbot Heath. I think you will be very hard to replace! With best wishes, David Walrond
I would like to thank Andy for all his hours and devotion over all that time. Remarkable. Celia Wood, THOGA f r o m
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Dear Andy, It's been great knowing you and working under your guidance. Things won't be the same in the Music School - your banter and great humour always made it a welcome and very much needed bit of light relief whenever I managed to get over to Music School. On another note, unrelated to school, I will always appreciate you giving up time on those Friday evenings at the church to give piano lessons to Aaron while I whizzed round Tesco's or Lidl. The most stressful part for me was getting your bottle of wine, because I knew that you were an expert and I knew nothing. I used to go for the ones which were reduced a lot but had an expensive original price. My theory was that if they had an expensive original price, then they must be a good one! I hope my theory was correct! Have a great and happy retirement. You will be missed. With very best wishes, Gaynor Dear Andy, Very best wishes for your retirement. The Nativity will not be the same without the Pink Panther. We will miss you, but are also pretty envious. Enjoy! Love from, Mandy Pidgley X
What more could you ask for from a Head of Faculty than someone who offers you a deck chair, Nibbles and a tipple’s whilst in a meeting.
Along with his constant efficient checks that none of my ‘Brush Abuse’ department purchases were that one way ticket to Barbados...wish I had given it a shot now! I have loved working with Andy he always has time for everyone, I will miss his cheery welcomes as I appear in the music offices doorway and his level headed approach to everything. Thank you for all your support and entertainment throughout the years, you will be sadly missed as a college and friend from TH. Love Vikki I wish you all the very best, enjoy your retirement. It has been a pleasure to work with you. Celia
Wishing you all the best Andy - enjoy the wine! Laura M x
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Dear Andy, It is always hard to say goodbye to people but it is doubly hard to say farewell to you.
You have been such a massive support to me over the years especially when you kindly allowed me to ‘lodge’ in the Music School. Your good nature, sense of humour and generosity will be truly missed.
I wish you much love and happiness in the next chapter and hope to see you for a glass of something on the other side!! Take care and enjoy! Karen
Dear Andy Wishing you every happiness in the future with all the adventures that lie ahead. You will be greatly missed! Take care and much love Liz x
You will be greatly missed Andy! Wishing you all the best for the future. Lots of love, Jess Leiper x x x
Dear Andy, I am sorry to see you leave TH and will miss your piano playing very much indeed. Who will play the funky bit on Shine Jesus Shine? Love Nicky W
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I remember you first arriving at the school when I started A levels. You were a breath of fresh air to the music department. And I got a chance to learn some harpsichord with you which I really enjoyed. It may have taken me nearly 25 years to come back and work in the department with you but I am so glad I did. You helped me feel at home and enjoy my job. And I have laughed so much at the stories you have regaled us with from those early years. We will miss you! Christina Leigh
Dear Andy, It's been so lovely working with you over the years and Al, Daisy, Poppy and I are all grateful for your help, support and company. It won't be the same without your double entendres and walking into the Carry On film that is the Music department đ&#x;˜‚ I hope you have lots of time for your hobbies (music, wine and family!) and I will miss you around the place. TH won't be the same without you :( Love, Princess Powerpoint and family xxxx
Dear Andy, It’s been really lovely to work with you. I’ll miss your humour and brilliance on the piano. Enjoy your retirement. Here’s to a wonderful new chapter ahead! Love, Nicky Baylis x
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Andy! Been a pleasure working with you in the Music Department, you've made it a great atmosphere to work in. You will be missed, especially the great sense of humour! Hope to work together again in future outside of school. So enjoy your retirement... be sure to crack open a good bottle of red on the earliest opportunity! All the very best, David W
Oh man, how many years has it been? From start to finish, it’s been a pleasure, a privilege and an honour. “Live long and prosper” Best wishes, Steven (Repro)
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Oh Andy, what will I do at lunchtime without you joining in the conversation? Feel free to come in - we can stand you a £1.50 lunch. Looking back at the archive photos of the opening of the Music block in 1991 you don't look so different. So which bit of your attic has the portrait? All the best for the future. Wendy Wishing you all the best in your retirement. I am more than a little envious! You will be greatly missed by the staff and children. Enjoy! Sue V
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Dear Andy Such a long time to be in one place 30+ years. Who is going to know all the traditions and what used to happen ? Enjoy your freedom, commonly known as Retirement. Most people comment it is the best job they have ever had! This is the next stage and you will have time to pursue your hobbies and spend valuable time with your grandchildren. Hope to see you back at events but until then have fun and enjoy! Best wishes, Jacinta xx Dear Andy, Talbot Heath won’t be the same without you; you are truly the end of an era. It’s been fun and insightful working with you over the decades! Wishing you every happiness and good health for your retirement. Best wishes, Claire B xxx
Andy It is so hard to say farewell - so many years, so many happy memories. Thank you so much and wishing you all the very best as you embark on the next adventure. Martin G Thank you for all the experiences and opportunities you have given TH students! I wish you all the best in your retirement. Lou Lindon x
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Dear Andy, I shall miss you! it has been a pleasure getting to know you and working alongside you. Thank you for all the help and guidance you have given me in the run up to the 'big events'. I also have very much enjoyed the occasional faculty meetings I have attended. Take care and cheers. Cat You have been a wonderful colleague and I will miss you very much. I particularly loved the Japan KS3 days when I was able to be part of the amazing work you do in the Music School. I wish you all the very best. Sarah Baker Dear Andy, thanks for all the beautiful playing in assembly. Very best wishes for the future. Annabel Jenner Dear Andy, I wish you a wonderful retirement, thanks for the laughs! Nikki P (Drama)
Happy Happy retirement and take it easy as you work your way through all those lovely vineyards- it's been an absolute pleasure to know you...Take care love B xx I wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy this new adventure, Laëti Shopland Happy retirement, Gerry Ives.
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It is hard to imagine Talbot Heath without you, Andy. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you over these last five years - just a scratch on the surface of your time here! Every good wish for your future and all that it will bring. Jonathan Burke Andy, always ready with a joke or comment to make us laugh. Putting this book together and reading of all your hilarity makes me think I should have hung out with you more! All the best, Hayley O’Shea I was lucky enough to be taught by Andy as well as working with him. He’s a great teacher and I wish him luck in his future beyond TH. Clare Okusana
Wishing you all the best in your retirement Andy. Must be a strange time for your leaving - so much planned that's not to be which is a great shame! It's been great working with you - might bump into you in a local hostelry in Ferndown some time soon! Love Jennie xx I wish you a wonderfully exciting and happy retirement. Charlotte Cowgill.
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Sorry we are not in school to say goodbye. Best wishes to you for your retirement! From Heather and Nicki Turton
Have a lovely retirement Andy, and enjoy the rest of this lovely weather. What an end to your teaching, something for your memoirs :) Lindy x Dear Andy, Wishing you a wonderful retirement, with many happy hours of wine tasting! Best wishes, Helen Chapleo
Dear Andy, From the very first time I came to TH and you showed me around the school, you have been a cheerful and smiling face, always welcoming and a true star. You will be truly missed. Enjoy retirement and the wine. Very best wishes, Tammy
Andy you will be truly missed by all at TH. I have loved listening to many concerts and musicals and you have really inspired so many girls through the years. All the best for your future. Sarah Camp Good luck in your next adventure, I am sure it will involve wine ! Hayley Luke Good luck Andy, enjoy your retirement. Suzanne f r o m
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Andy - the very best of wishes on your retirement.
Two things to remember: The llama story, and that Carol Service, in which 'We Three Kings' didn't go quite as you expected....
Enjoy yourself - and see you soon! Sean Tucker Dear Andy (code name ‘H’)! Have a wonderful retirement but you will be missed in school. Your great sense of humour, name that tune slots as we leave assembly (The Rockford Files) and the many stories about things that have happened over the years at TH. Put your feet up and enjoy having the time to do all the things you’ve always wanted to. All the best and take care. Rachel N
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I’d like to wish Andy all the very best in his well earned retirement. After 33 years of making music in the Mary Norton Hall you deserve a well-earned retirement. Enjoy every moment, Andy !! Warmest regards, Christine Norman, Governor.
Andy- what an incredible contribution you have made to the history of Talbot Heath School, giving so many girls the opportunity to discover the wonders of music. With very best wishes Clodie Sutcliffe, Chair of Governors f r o m
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Captain Darling, what can I say? Now that you have decided to leave TH, I am hopeful that you will now finally forgive me for plunging you into a blackout whilst in the middle of a live Gershwin piano piece all those years ago! There are indeed countless tales to tell, including the story of the larger-than-life red boxers! On a serious breve, your musical erudition will be missed by all and the number of students who have progressed to become professional musicians speaks volumes of the impact you have had over the years at the Music helm at Talbot Heath. Please keep in touch - I know you will. P.S. how will the Talbot Vaults survive when you have left? I wish you the very best of luck for the future. Ian C M e m o r i e s
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And relax.