Music is my creative outlet, providing me with a means of self-expression. It’s also a great way of connecting with others. Many of my closest friends are those I have met through music. When I’m not doing homework, I’m normally engaging in something musical, and I spend many hours practising different pieces and orchestral works. Currently, my favourite piece is ‘Sonata in C Major’ by Taktakishvili. I have been working especially hard on this over the last month, so I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I perform it.

I’m a member of the Warwick Schools Foundation Symphony Orchestra and the Foundation Wind Orchestra. I played first flute in the pit orchestra for the musical ‘Sweeney Todd’ at the Bridge House Theatre, which was so much fun. Another memorable experience was playing first flute in the work ‘Calling All Dawns’ in an orchestra comprising of Foundation students and staff, and professional musicians. I have also performed first flute in ‘Jupiter’ as part of a woodwind ensemble and this term I’m really looking forward to working with Orchestra of the Swan – a professional orchestra that has close links with the Warwick Schools Foundation. The ‘side-by-side’ event will see students from Warwick School, Kingsley and King’s High collaborating with professional musicians to compose a jazz-influenced work entitled ‘Elements’. I’m primarily a classical musician and haven’t had much exposure to jazz, so this will be a new experience for me, which I am excited for.

I’m also a member of the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. I attend every Saturday and play in a range of ensembles and orchestras. I also take theory and aural lessons, and I receive one-to-one tuition with a professional musician. The experience I have gained at conservatoire, playing alongside so many other talented musicians, has been invaluable. At the end of last year, I performed in the Symphony Orchestra for the first time. I played first flute in Smetena, which included several solos. This is, without doubt, my proudest achievement to date. The high standards and challenging repertoire has greatly boosted my confidence in my musical abilities.

I also participate in various competitions. On February the 23rd, I played in the finals of the British Flute Society’s competition. I recently played in the National Concert Band Festival competition with my Conservatoire Wind Orchestra and we were awarded the prestigious platinum award.

When I joined Kingsley in Year 7, I was pleased to be awarded a music scholarship. The school has been incredibly supportive over the years, providing me with numerous opportunities to perform, both as a soloist and within groups. Just last week, I played my flute in a whole-school assembly, and I regularly take part in end-of-term concerts. I’m looking forward to performing ‘Sonata in C Major’ in the upcoming Senior Soloists Concert. My teachers help to ensure I can balance my musical commitments with academic work. If they know I’m having a particularly busy time, they are understanding and adjust my workload accordingly, offering extensions on deadlines when necessary. There are also lunchtime drop-ins and revision sessions, which help me stay on top of my studies. The Music GCSE course at Kingsley has been instrumental in strengthening my theoretical knowledge and honing my composition skills, complementing my studies at the Conservatoire.

This summer, I will be attending an English Symphony Orchestra residential course at Bromsgrove. I’m really looking forward to this, especially since I’ll have finished my GCSEs! I plan to study Music at A-level and eventually pursue a degree in Music Performance at a conservatoire. I hope to become a professional musician, perhaps combining teaching with playing in orchestras.