In which year group did you join King’s?
I joined King’s Ely Sixth Form in Year 12.
What A-Level grades did you achieve?
Chemistry – A*, Maths – A*, Music – A
AS Further Maths – A
What University/Institution are you going to and what will you be studying?
I am going to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, in London, to study Classical Saxophone.
Are you going to University this year, or are you taking a gap year?
I am going to Conservatoire this September.
What career path do you plan on pursuing?
I would like to be a professional musician and have a varied career, including performing, teaching, and playing in various ensembles, such as pit bands and orchestras. I also have an interest in music therapy and community work, which I will hopefully get to explore more during my time at Guildhall.
What else did you participate in during your time at King’s?
I play the saxophone, clarinet, flute, and piano, so I have been very involved in the Music Department at King’s. I was a part of Saxophone Quartet, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Flute Choir, Chapel Choir, and Chamber Choir. During my two years at King’s, I played in multiple concerts and performances, where a real highlight was performing two movements of a concerto in Ely Cathedral in March 2022. In December 2022, I played in the pit band alongside professional musicians for the senior musical, Legally Blonde, which was a great experience, and a lot of fun. More recently, I went on the Choir Tour to Sicily, where we sang in many beautiful churches/cathedrals. During Year 13, I also enjoyed helping out at the Junior School Band rehearsals, and it was rewarding to see the progress culminate into a strong performance at the Festival of Music and Dance in July.
Outside of Music, I was a Prefect and a Queen’s Scholar – it is fair to say that Hoop Trundling is not my forte!
Do you feel that you have been well supported at King’s?
I was definitely well supported during my time at King’s. This was especially noticeable during the first term of Year 13 when I was preparing for my conservatoire auditions, as my Music Teachers gave me so much helpful advice and held a mock audition for me to ensure that I was fully prepared. The Music Department at King’s continued the support from my secondary school by providing numerous performance opportunities, which helped develop my playing and performance skills. Teachers and students alike were so supportive and offered encouragement, which pushed me to try and get better. Outside of Music, I was also well supported by my Teachers academically. They were there to answer questions that I had and were always willing to mark any practice essays I had done.
What will you miss most about King’s and what did you enjoy most during your time here?
I will miss the people I met and the Teachers as, even though I was only at King’s for Sixth Form, I feel like I have known them for longer. I will also really miss playing in Saxophone Quartet with Emily, Jess, and James. Rehearsals were so memorable and performing with them in concerts was a lot of fun! My favourite memories are the matching Christmas jumpers and performing at the Festival of Music and Dance.
In what ways do you think King’s is unique or special compared to other schools?
The strong links to Ely Cathedral are unique, and it was a privilege to perform there on a number of occasions. The continuation of traditions, such as the Scholars’ Hoop Trundle, also make King’s unique.
Describe King’s in three words!
Supportive
Exciting
Full-on (In a good way!)