This week saw the launch of our brand new Music Fellowship Programme, which is designed to give pupils the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s finest musicians on multiple occasions throughout the school year. Each faculty of the Music department (Brass, Keyboard, Strings, Vocal, Woodwind) has appointed one specialist, each of whom will visit the school on at least two separate occasions. They will be offering a wide range of musical activities, such as giving recitals, directing ensembles, leading workshops, performing with school groups and generally being inspirational guides to our young musicians.
We were honoured to welcome our first music fellow into school on Monday 10 February, flautist and composer Ian Clarke, who is recognised as one of the leading player/composers in his field. The boys enjoyed a day of workshops and lessons with Ian, and were also treated to a performance of some of Ian’s original works including a fabulous piece which played out the sounds of the journey of a steam train.
Director of Music Mr Joss Sanders said, “We were absolutely delighted to launch our Music Fellowship Programme with a visit from flautist Ian Clarke this week. The purpose of the programme is to give as many boys at Bedford School the opportunity to develop and extend their musical skillset, and Ian certainly did that on Monday. He worked with GCSE Music students on their composing and with woodwind students across every year group in the Upper School. We are looking forward to having him back again soon, when he will work with the younger woodwind players in the Prep School. Next up is pianist Joanna Macgregor who is coming in the week after half term – Joanna is an incredibly experienced musician and will be working with both individual pianists and small chamber groups as well as giving a piano recital.”