Music 2024: Summer Update

We are pleased to share the latest success stories from the musicians of QM, as told by Director of Music Dr Sam Horseman.

Reflecting on Speech Day and Looking Ahead

After the emotional and stellar performances on Speech Day, I am very much looking forward to getting started on this year's programme of concerts and performances alongside meeting our new musicians.

However, honing their art as musicians is not just a term-time occurrence for the girls of QM; our students continue to develop all year, and this summer has seen many successes and achievements.

Congratulations to Lucinda (YIII)

Congratulations go to Music Scholar Lucinda (YIII), who passed her Grade 5 Theory examination with Distinction. This is a fantastic outcome in what is a challenging paper, and to have achieved this by YIII is highly commendable. This qualification now grants Lucinda access to begin working on Grade 6 and beyond as a flautist.

Jen Foster's Successes

Congratulations also go to the recently graduated Jen Foster, who passed her Grade 5 Theory and her Grade 8 singing over the summer with Merit. This is a fantastic springboard for Jen, who has now successfully secured her place to read Music at Newcastle University with a jazz specialism.

Zoe Usher’s Prestigious Scholarship

Following her A* at Music A Level and acceptance into Birmingham University to read Chemistry, music scholar Zoe Usher also found out that she has received a prestigious music scholarship at Birmingham. Her offer letter stated that "Awarding this year's scholarships was extremely challenging due to the high volume and exceptional calibre of applicants, so this is a great achievement". Brava Zoe, we are thrilled for you!

QM Alumni at the Proms

You can also watch two of our past Music Scholars perform in their very first Proms on the BBC! To see our musicians start to make their mark in the professional world is just fantastic.

Clarinetist, Lucinda Addy performed in Prom 30 with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain - performing Wagner's 1st Symphony. We send Lucinda our very best wishes as she starts at the Royal College of Music this term.

You can also see former Choral Scholar, Izzie Wilcox, fresh from graduating with her Music degree from Durham University, performing in Prom 42, "Beethoven's Ninth by Heart" as part of the chorus formed from the BBC Singers and members of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. Keep an eye out for these familiar QM faces in the footage!

Ingrid Wilkinson’s Experience with the National Youth Concert Band

UVI scholar, Ingrid WIlkinson, had a fantastic Summer as a member of the National Youth Concert Band, taking part in another residential course and a gala concert. To have been accepted as part of a national ensemble is a huge achievement and we are very proud of Ingrid who has clearly gained so much musical development through being part of the ensemble.

Ingrid wrote: "During the summer, I had the incredible experience playing in the National Youth Concert Band. A weekend of intense rehearsals at Chetham's School of Music ended with a performance at the Stoller Hall in Manchester. After NYCB's Easter course, I was really looking forward to seeing my friends again and tackling some of the challenging music for a second time.

Additionally, we played Holst's First Suite in Eb for Military Band, which was conducted by Tim Reynish MBE. Working with him was a really interesting experience and I think that as well as playing some rather difficult music, has really developed my musicianship and ensemble skills!"

Here is a link to the Easter course concert (the summer one was not recorded).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gfQlJOfGKA