Music

Getting to know... Miss Goodsell, Director of Music

1. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can do a handstand on one hand only! (With the wall for support...)

2. What piece of music do you wish you had composed?

‘A child of our time’ by Tippett. I sang this at the St Endellion Music Festival when I was 18 and just loved the music so much. The movements provoke such a range of emotions and the use of spirituals is very powerful.

3. What other profession would you have chosen instead of becoming a teacher?

I’m lucky enough to already be on my second career as I did 7 1/2 years a GB international rower before returning to teaching. But, if I had to choose a third career, I think it would have to be something practical and creative. I always thought I might build musical instruments or something like that.

2. If you could be friends with any musical legend who would it be?

For me, I would be friends with Daniel Barenboim, an Argentine-Israeli pianist and conductor. He formed the West Eastern Divan Orchestra, which is made up of both Arab and Israeli instrumentalists defying the political divide in the Middle East.

3. What musical instruments can you play and which is your favourite?

I can play the saxophone, clarinet, flute and the piano. Piano was my first instrument and I have played it since the age of 6, so I do have a soft spot for it… However, I think the saxophone is my favourite as I get to play many different genres of music, from classical orchestral music to jazz in ensembles and duos and pop music.

My involvement in music at NHEHS

The myriad musical opportunities at NHEHS range from large orchestras to small ensembles - like the trio I play in. We started with just Ariella (cello), Chloe (piano) and me (violin), all with a shared love of music. This year, we have played in many school concerts. For instance, we performed in wthe British Red Cross fundraiser and the Female Composers’ concert. In Symphony Orchestra, our pieces vary from the classical Haydn, Beethoven and Shostakovich to music that features in films such as ‘The Duchess’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ as well as more recent pop songs like Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’.

In addition to this, I also thoroughly enjoy all of the concerts like the ensembles concert and a teacher’s concert where some of our instrumental teachers played alongside their students. I played in a jigs and reels group and a small violin ensemble. It was really exciting to hear my violin teacher play a solo - she said that she felt quite nervous! I also loved the Spring Concert where the Symphony Orchestra played Beethoven’s ‘Coriolan’ (which I particularly adore). It was especially inspiring to hear some of the older girls playing piano concertos with our orchestra. I am going to perform some solos in the next tea-time concert. It always helps to boost my confidence when playing in front of a small, friendly audience.

We are truly privileged to have so many wonderful ways to make music at NHEHS!

Shreya Grover, Year 7

4. What is your spirit animal and why?

I have to admit I just googled ‘spirit animal quiz’ and it told me that I was a bear! However, another possibility is a marmot as I sleep so much!

Getting to know... Miss Dunne, Musician in Residence NHEHS Atrium Concerts!

1. Would you rather go to the BBC Proms or Glastonbury?

I’d rather go to Glastonbury as I’ve never been there before! It’s probably something anyone interested in music should go to at least once in their lifetime. I go to the concerts at the BBC Proms every year anyway which I love, but Glastonbury is definitely something very different!

This is an excerpt from Grace Pang’s free composition for her Music GCSE.