It’s hard to believe, but a very peculiar term ended on Friday last week. I have been so inspired by how my students have all risen to the challenge of remote lessons, and have coped with minor technical glitches, and with limited access to piano accompaniment. Everyone has made progress, and hopefully had fun along the way. Whilst it has certainly been an interesting challenge, and has highlighted new and varied ways of working, I do miss seeing my students in person each week. I hope that it won’t be too long before I can teach and rehearse my ensembles with everyone able to hear each other ‘live’.
Right at the end of term on of the leaving 6th formers had the opportunity to take a remote singing exam with the ABRSM, as the outcome of the exam was relevant to her University applications. I’m so pleased to say that she achieved a brilliant Distinction, which was especially noteworthy due to the much more complex and novel system surrounding taking the exam, as well as the uncertainty from not having had an ‘in person’ lesson since the end of March. Huge congratulations Ella; I am so thrilled for you. It is a real recognition of all your endeavours and efforts over the past 7 years. (I would also mention that Ella also gained her Grade 8 piano after taking both exams on the same day… and this is on top of two existing Grade 8 certificates in clarinet and violin. I can’t think of anyone who is more suited to her chosen degree course (music, obviously!).
Saying goodbye to the leavers was especially hard this year. It’s always sad to see students you’ve worked with for years leave to move on to the next stage of their lives, but also incredibly exciting. These young women often start lessons with me when they are small, lost looking and at the start of their secondary education, but they leave with fabulous qualifications, broad experience and the confidence and diverse range of skills which will open doors of opportunity, and allow them to excel as they move into the big wide world. This year’s cohort of Upper Sixth singers were small in number, but powerful! I shall very much miss Ella F, Ella J and Sarah L, two of whom I have taught throughout their time at the school. It was really sad not to be able to say goodbye in person, but I hope that they will enjoy every minute of their next steps, and I look forward to hearing all about their adventures in the future. Thanks for a lot of wonderful and fun memories, girls.