Heads of Music
Our Heads of Music for this school year are:
Head Choristers: Carrie B & Izzy B
Dep Head Choristers: Maddy T & Will S
Senior Organ Scholar: Oliver W
Head of Band: Oliver C
Dep Head of Band: Rose D
Head of Drums: Charlie R
We spoke to Carrie, Charlie, Izzy and Oliver C to gain insights on their plans as Heads of Music.
Carrie B, Head Chorister, has been singing from a very young age and took up lessons when she was seven. Carrie told us that the best part about being in the choir is that it's a “great time for lots of like-minded people of all ages in the school to come together and have a fun time singing.” Carrie wants to make sure that the choir is as welcoming and enjoyable as possible whilst maintaining a high standard.
We asked Carrie how RHS has helped her to achieve and maintain a high level in singing; she commented, “Choir has allowed me to improve my ability to effectively take part in frequent rehearsals and even lead sectional rehearsals, as well as giving me a multitude of performance opportunities, all of which have allowed me to grow as a team member and performer.”
Carrie helps other pupils in her role by being approachable so that pupils are confident to ask her for help. She also believes that by being confident while singing will help others to follow.
Carrie told us that her favourite musical event at RHS was the Washington DC tour performance at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is the largest Catholic cathedral in North America, seating around 3,600 people. She comments, “It was an amazing place to perform and was a challenging performance as it was entirely unaccompanied which required both concentration and trust within the choir”.
After leaving school, Carrie would like to study music at university with her principal instrument being voice.
Charlie R, Head of Drums, has been playing since he was nine years old but started to develop his drumming skills in Year 8, when he joined RHS. Charlie comments that he enjoys the drum kit as it's “the groove behind anything you play and can control the music's flavour all through your interpretation”. As Head of Drums, Charlie plans to create the sharpest display team there has been, and ever will be, at RHS as well as teaching the younger pupils to excel.
We asked Charlie how RHS has allowed him to reach a high level in playing the drum kit; he comments, “No-one gets good at anything through complacency and zero discipline. The music school being open so often allows pupils to get on and practise hard for hours at a time which took my playing to the next level.” After school, Charlie would like to play live and tour with bands and/or start gigging in small venues with his brother and friends in the band.
As the Head of Drums Charlie plans to organise 1-on-1 time with pupils to support them with their drumming, to improve their skills and ask any questions.
Charlie's favourite events at RHS have included the recent Pete Letanka concert and gig nights as well as a sunset ceremony in 2021 which was accompanied with thunder and lightning, which only made the show more dramatic!
Izzy B, Head Chorister, has been singing for six years, which is roughly when she joined the choir. Every week when the choir meets, Izzy enjoys singing new pieces of music and being able to take part in the different services in London. As one of the Head Choristers, Izzy aspires to encourage more of our pupils to join the choir.
We asked Izzy how RHS has helped her to achieve and maintain a high level in choir; she commented, “RHS has given me so many opportunities like singing at different services, such as the Admiralty Carol Service at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.” The Annual National Seafarers’ Service held at St Paul’s Cathedral is Izzy's favourite event she has performed at with the RHS choir so far.
In her role she wants to help and encourage younger pupils during rehearsal if they get muddled in the music.
Oliver C, Head of Band, has been playing the cornet for 10 years and was influenced by his grandfather to learn the instrument as he used to be bandmaster of the Sutton Coldfield Boys' Brigade Band. Oliver mentions that the first calls he ever played on the bugle he stills uses today.
Oliver’s favourite part about the band is being involved in a traditional naval marching band and having the opportunity to do this in school. “Many pupils do not have this opportunity at school so it is something that I have extreme pride being part of and I share this with all members of the band.”
Oliver plans to uphold the legacy and traditions of the marching band that plays an important part in school life and encourages other members of the band to do so as well. He wants to be a role model to all pupils in the band and assist anyone who needs help with anything.
We asked Oliver how RHS has allowed him to reach a high level in his chosen instrument. He answered, “RHS has allowed me to reach the level I have with my music through my incredible music teacher, Mr Cooper, who I see weekly and has allowed me to progress through four grades since joining the school. Also, all the Music Department members who run weekly rehearsals from beginners to advanced groups to enhance skills and test limits. Being part of these as well as the band has allowed me to gain a much wider scope of music genres to play on the cornet and stretch myself in many ways.” When Oliver leaves RHS his music aspirations include joining a university orchestra and jazz band.
Oliver mentioned performing in Washington DC on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building, as well as singing in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception as his favourite RHS music moments to date. He comments, “This was definitely a trip I will never forget and I will treasure the memories forever.”