As 2024 comes to an end, I always like to have a look back and reflect on the achievements of my students.
There has been a lot of great music going on and some big changes for me this year too.
Lots of pupils have taken exams and there has been another huge haul of distinctions and merits.
Special mention must go to Savannah at the age of 10 achieving 94/100 for her Grade 5 flute exam and to Charlotte and Ellayana who were awarded 92/100 and 91/100 respectively for their Grade 6 flute exams.
Not to be outdone the singers have faired equally impressively with Megan gaining a high distinction in her Grade 8 Music Theatre exam and Kalina achieving a high distinction in her Grade 6 Music Theatre.
In the Pop Vocal exams, Cece scored an impressive 94/100 for her Grade 3, the same mark Faateh achieved in his Grade 4.
There were many other impressive results, it isn’t always about the actual mark awarded, it is often an achievement for many students to stand up and do the exam and a HUGE well done to everyone who has taken and passed their exam this year.
February brings the Mrs Sunderland music competition as always and it was lovely to be back in the fabulous Huddersfield Town Hall.
There were some super performances and great results:
Woodwind Solo Year 6 & under
1st Savannah
2nd Ryan
Woodwind Solo Year 9 & under
1st Ayla
2nd Amaya
3rd Savannah & Alannah
Woodwind Solo Year 11 & under
1st Amaya
2nd Alannah
Disney Class 17 & over
2nd Isabelle
Musical Theatre 17 & over
1st Isabelle
2nd Georgia
Pop Ballad 17 & over
1st Georgia
2nd Isabelle
Huge congratulations to everyone who took part and gave the adjudicators a tough job.
A few months after this Amy was preparing for her National Youth Orchestra. Amy got through to the final round of the auditions which is a massive achievement and was offered a reserved place for the 2025 season and we’re keeping everything crossed that she will be playing with NYO next year.
In July, I resigned from my post at Bootham School in York. I had worked at the school for 22 years and to say that the place was the centre of my world was no exaggeration, and it was a huge honour to be part of that outstanding department and have a hand in so many students’ musical education. I am still in touch with students I taught there right at the start of my career, and it was a truly special place.
However, things changed, and I knew it was the right time for me to move on. There were many factors that influenced my decision but the thought of not having to get up at 545am and tackle the M62 at 630am was just lovely. It is lovely, I still teach privately in York and have built up my Thursday and Friday, but I also have Friday morning relaxing and getting “paperwork” and timetables for my other school done as opposed to spending all day Sunday doing it.
November/December sees three students this year auditioning for places to do degrees in Music Theatre. This is a really tough career to follow, and it is so competitive to get a place. Betsey is up and running and has had one audition and been offered a place, a great start. Good luck to all 3 of you over the next few months.
Towards the end of the year, it is a bit quieter until the run up to Christmas. Several of my pupils are involved in Christmas concerts, carol services, pantos and plays, is there any wonder they are all ready for a well-deserved break as are Mum and Dad’s Taxi’s!
What a year! I’m so very proud of all you have achieved this year and cannot wait to come back in January all refreshed and ready to go. Just a reminder, there are no lessons from 21st December. Lessons recommence on Monday 6th January.
Happy Christmas and Happy New Year 2025.
