Diploma Trio Success at Oundle School

Published on isbi School News dated Monday 18th of November 2013

Three Oundle School pupils, Kavita Rai (17), Josef Laming (17) and Bronwen Chan (17) have successfully achieved music diplomas.

Bronwen, who passed the LRSM- 2nd level Diploma equivalent to 3rd year Undergraduate level commented, 'I have been playing the violin since I was 4 and I also play the ukulele recreationally
Music and the violin will definitely be a part of whatever I do in the future.'

She is currently studying History, English, Latin and Physics, and is hoping to study Arts and Sciences in America.

For her Diploma, Bronwen played:

* Beethoven's Spring Sonata mvts 2,3,4;
* Josef Suk's Quasi Ballata and Appassionato from his Four Pieces for violin and piano;
* Bach's Largo and Allegro Assai from Sonata No. 3;
* Franck's Violin Sonata mvts 3,4.

The examiner commented, 'Bronwen is a performer of integrity and musical depth.'
.........................

Kavita, who received a distinction in her ATCL diploma, has been playing the piano for 8 years. She also plays the violin. Kavita is currently studying Maths, French and RS at A level and hopes to study International Business at university and already has an unconditional offer from Birmingham.


For her Diploma, Kavita played:

* Mozart, Sonata in A, K.331
* Chopin, Nocturne in B♭ minor, op. 9 no. 1
* Liszt, Liebestraume no. 3 in A♭
* Poulenc, Trois novelettes, nos. 1 and 2

....................................

Josef, who received a very high distinction in his DipABRSM, has been playing the piano for ten years, and also plays the organ. At A level he is studying Maths, Latin, and Music.

For his Diploma, Josef played:

* Beethoven's Sonata in A-flat Op.26
* Chopin's Berceuse in D-flat
* The 4th of Debussy's Préludes
* Olivier Messiaen's 'Regard de la Vierge'

Josef's examiner commented, 'Josef's stylish and musical playing was apparent from the outset� commendably played from memory� engaging, enjoyable and always committed� well informed and above the level required for this examination� rarely a blemish�'
...........................
Director of Music, Quentin Thomas commented, 'It is a proud moment indeed when any person reaches the top of the music examination ladder and attains Grade 8; wedded to the fulfilment is the demonstration of independent learning, the honing of skills, dedication of HOURS of sustained periods of practice along with everything that is healthy with learning an instrument multi-tasking, multi-processing, communication skills, public performing, control of nerves, organisation, perseverance it speaks volumes for a person.

However, attaining a professional diploma is another league, and earning the right to have a bunch of letters after your name on all documentation for the rest of your life is testimony to the accolade of salutes and applause our pupils deserve. These are fantastic achievements; warmest congratulations to Kavita, Bronwen and Josef.'

Oundle School's Music Department is a vibrant place with around 900 music lessons being taught each week, over 30 ensembles, bands and orchestras rehearsing each week, well over 150 performances a year, with regular tours, musicals and recordings. Recent events include performing Mahler 8 at the Royal Festival Hall, conducted by Bernard Haitink, and alongside the New London Orchestra at St John Smith's Square. Our musicians have recently been working with Nicholas Daniel, Simon Channing, the SKAMPA Quartet, Lewis Kaplan, Francesca Dego and Francesa Leonardi with the Chamber Orchestra performing Mendelssohn's Concerto for Piano and Violin. There are many forthcoming concerts and performances. Highlights include, the Symphony Orchestra's concert on Sunday, 8 December at 4:00pm in the Great Hall; entitled 'Overtures & Openings' with a 70-piece orchestra under the baton of new director of music, Quentin Thomas, this promises to be a special concert to which all are cordially invited free of charge. Enquiries music@oundleschool.org.uk

Oundle School's partnership with The Royal College of Music was launched in January 2012 with the aim of enabling talented musicians from Oundle to work with RCM professors and students for the mutual benefit of both institutions. Professors from RCM give masterclasses and judge the School's annual Hepburn Music Competition in early February, and Oundle visits the RCM in to perform alongside students each May.

Generous Music Scholarships are available at 11 , 13 and 16 . For further details contact the Director of Music, Quentin Thomas on 01832 277132 or email music@oundleschool.org.uk