A Conversation With... Mr Jasper Elliott

In this week's A Conversation With... we talked to music teacher, Mr Jasper Elliott who we welcomed back this September after completing his PGCE at Reading University. When he's not teaching music or playing his saxophone, Mr Elliott is out on the river with the J16 rowing crew, as well as spending quite a bit of time trying to retrieve socks and shoes from his new puppy Albie!

What is your role, and what did you do previously?

I am a music teacher here at Shiplake which involves leading the Year 12 and 13 Music BTEC courses, as well as leading multiple bands, organising instrumental lesson timetables and other smaller bits and pieces around the department. I am also Head of the J16 (Year 11) rowing squad and thoroughly enjoy putting them through their paces down at the Davies Centre.

What is the best thing about teaching at Shiplake College?

I love how creative the pupils are in both of my Sixth Form classes. They come up with some incredible ideas for the different projects they are challenged with, which makes the experience so much better. I also love being able to walk down to the Davies Centre and see so many pupils out rowing and getting stuck into the sport I grew up loving.

What does a normal day at Shiplake look like for you?

My day at Shiplake is extremely busy with lessons, rehearsals and other admin jobs stacking up throughout the week. It all offers a challenge but I always enjoy it. Outside of the department, it's always nice to get out at lunch and take some time to walk my new puppy around the amazing grounds at the school and down to the river.

When did your passion for music begin and what instrument do you play?

I first started playing saxophone in Year 7 when I saw the teachers performing in their band, I was instantly hooked! I took part in as many bands and performances as I could all the way through school, performing at a large range of concerts from school soloist concerts to music tours to the South of France, Venice and New Orleans. I continued this at university, playing in a funk/jazz band at different venues across Oxfordshire and am still doing lots of playing/performing whenever I get a chance.

What is your favourite style of music and why?

My favourite style to play is funk/jazz, I love the cool rhythms and harmonies that are involved and gives me a chance to improvise which is my favourite part of performing. My biggest inspirations come in the form of some of the classics such as Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, but I also grew up learning pieces by a saxophonist named Bob Mintzer which were all really cool tunes.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I'm not in the Music Department or down at the Davies Centre, my spare time is mostly spent walking my puppy Albie or liberating various shoes/socks! My partner and I are also keen rowers and cyclists and enjoy training in the gym or finding different gravel paths around the area to explore.

What does the future hold for Mr Elliott?

In the future, I am looking forward to not having to steal shoes back from my puppy but also to be able to go on longer walks with him once he has fully grown up. I am looking forward to helping grow the Music Department to the best it could possibly be here at Shiplake and give everyone the opportunity to perform and be a part of the amazing atmosphere we are creating here.