With the snow settling at Shiplake College, we had A Conversation With... Mr Jones: music teacher, rugby coach, all-round great guy! It's impossible for Mr Jones to enter a room without cheering someone up, even around the time of the Christmas Carol Service, Mr Jones was suffering with a terrible bout of the flu, yet still he organised the fantastic Carol Service with a smile on his face. Not only is he an incredibly kind, encouraging educator, he is also an irreplaceable member of the Shiplake community.
What does your average day entail?
I like to be in school very early; catching up on email, preparing for the day ahead or even using the school gym. Then, an average day will involve teaching a variety of classes, meetings with colleagues or parents (current and prospective) and, at this time of year, many conversations with pupils about their GCSE subject choices. At the end of the teaching day I am usually running around on the pitches or in the Lecture Theatre rehearsing with a choir. Then, I’ll head home to catch up with my own children (and even more conversations about music practice and homework).
What instruments do you play, and which is your favourite?
As a music teacher, I’ve had a go at most instruments (“Go on Sir, show us!”) and since becoming a teacher I’ve really enjoyed learning African drumming, Samba drumming and even a few guitar chords. However, my main instruments are voice, trumpet and “classroom” piano (yes, this is definitely an instrument in its own right!). My favourite is definitely voice as singing is very important to me and also reflects some of the opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy through being a member of a choir. I’ve sung at the opening ceremony of a Rugby World Cup, recorded with some famous singers and performed at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Abbey. I actually started my musical life on the violin but this is not a happy tale. Luckily, when I arrived at secondary school there was a spare cornet in the cupboard and the rest is history.
What are your guilty pleasure songs, and why?
Queen songs; they remind me of long car journeys when I was young and I can still whistle most of Brian May’s guitar solos. My gym playlist would win little respect so that must remain a secret, I’m afraid.
If you could only listen to one song or piece of music for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s impossible to answer! If I was stranded on a desert island there would need to be wi-fi so that I could spend my days streaming the music from West Side Story, Star Wars and the Ministry of Sound back catalogue. Or Verdi’s Requiem, Rachmaninov’s Vespers and any Welsh hymn sung by a male choir.
What were you like as a schoolboy and what was your favourite subject?
I loved school and made the most of all the opportunities on offer. Mine was a typical ‘Valleys’ school with a strong reputation for music and sport which has helped to shape my interests. I lived five minutes’ walk from the school so was easily able to stay late for rehearsals and practices, although I often struggled to be on time for morning registration. My favourite subject was definitely Music but History and Welsh were near the top of the list. I was fortunate to be influenced by some inspirational teachers, particularly in these subjects.
What is the biggest achievement made by a pupil of yours?
I have taught many pupils who later went on to study Music at University or Conservatoire and who are now working as successful musicians. There are also countless examples of pupils far exceeding expectations in their GCSE and A Level results. However, I am struck by one former pupil who contacted me at the start of the academic year. She was a member of one of my choirs when we entered a competition judged by Gareth Malone. She remembered the way I encouraged and motivated her and got the best out of the choir. She ‘Googled’ me to find me and let me know that as a result, she chose to become a teacher and is about to start her NQT year. I would certainly list qualifying to become a teacher as an achievement!
What does the future hold for Mr Jones?
Family is very important to me and I look forward to watching my own children continue to grow and discover their passions. I know that my future definitely lies in education and I am currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership. I’m thoroughly enjoying this and it’s very exciting to consider the positive impact you can have as part of a school leadership team. In the short-term, however, I will enjoy painting my new kitchen and watching Wales win the Six Nations.
