Taking on the Symphonic Challenge

Lower School pupils have the exciting opportunity of learning an instrument when they arrive at Shiplake College. The new musicians are then conducted into the Lower School Orchestra, getting up onstage at the end of each term to participate in the Winter, Spring and Summer Concerts. This year, the exciting offer has been extended to include staff as well. Thank you to Mr Paul Jones for the following article that discusses why learning an instrument is an opportunity that everyone should take:

‘At the start of this academic year, teachers will be encouraging their pupils to display the characteristics of The Shiplake Seven and to be curious, open-minded, motivated, reflective, determined, creative and independent. However, what about the teachers themselves? How might they display these characteristics for their pupils to see? What better way to do this than by learning a musical instrument from scratch, alongside the pupils?! Like every pupil in the Lower School, many teachers have taken the opportunity to learn an orchestral instrument for the year with one of our dedicated team of visiting musicians. As soon as they are ready, they will perform as part of Crescendo (the Lower School Orchestra) at our high-profile public concerts.

There has been a great uptake of staff eager to learn a new skill, and a range of instruments have been chosen. Joining the Lower School pupils in lessons will hopefully encourage both staff and pupils to work that bit harder! We are delighted that so many teachers have risen to this Symphonic Challenge. The pupils will gain so much from seeing their teachers alongside them in their music lessons as fellow learners. There is no better way for the teachers to embody The Shiplake Seven and, as the Headmaster always says, ‘challenge creates character’. We can’t wait to hear their performance at one of our concerts this year!’