My name is Hannah. I joined King’s in Year 7 as a Music Scholar. I am currently in Year 12, studying A Level Music, having gained a 9 at GCSE. I receive individual lessons from the visiting music staff in Singing, Violin, and Viola, have achieved Grade 8 in Singing and Viola, and will shortly be taking Grade 8 Violin and a Singing Diploma. I have been widely involved in the music department since Year 7, am Head Chorister of the Girls’ Choir at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Warwick, and gained the RSCM Gold Award in Year 10.

What makes studying music at King’s so special is the plethora of opportunities provided for us to develop our skills and the limitless opportunities to perform as soloists, in chamber groups, and in larger ensembles of musicians. There are so many different music clubs that we can join, many of which are of an incredibly high standard and run in conjunction with Warwick School. There are also opportunities to run our own ensembles. For example, last year, I formed and ran a Madrigals group.

We have an amazing range of high-level ensembles, which I am currently a member of, including the Foundation Chamber Choir, Foundation String Ensemble, Orchestra, and Foundation Symphony Orchestra. We perform musicals in conjunction with the Drama departments (recent examples are Sweeney Todd and Jesus Christ Superstar) with pit bands. We also enter national competitions, including the Pro Corda chamber music competition.

The department organises trips to various venues, and there are opportunities for extended playing, such as our Orchestra residentials. To extend our skills further, advanced musicians get to take part in masterclasses with visiting professional musicians. I have also played with the in-residence Orchestra of the Swan in side-by-side concert experiences, which have been invaluable. Through them, I was also able to talk with a member of the orchestra about their musical journey in becoming a professional musician and ask questions that I had about my career path.

We are lucky to have a variety of high-class venues on-site to perform in, including King’s Auditorium, Warwick Hall, and the Bridge House Theatre. Additionally, we perform in other off-site locations, including Butterworth Hall at Warwick Arts Centre.

All of the music staff are very knowledgeable and have been invaluable to me, allowing me to progress as a musician. The teachers are always willing to go above and beyond, and I have received so much support and encouragement throughout my time here. Their expertise and guidance have given me the skill set to successfully audition for external groups. I have been a member of both the CBSO Youth Orchestra and the RSCM Youth Choir for a few years, which have allowed me to develop even more advanced singing and playing skills. These are areas that I particularly enjoy and would potentially like to pursue as a career.

After King’s, I am hoping to study Music at a university or a conservatoire with a strong choral and orchestral programme.