Conductor of the Galenical Chamber Orchestra

Every Saturday, I conduct the Galenical Chamber Orchestra, a chamber ensemble for the Bristol University’s medical students, in St Paul’s Church, Clifton. We play a lively and varied repertoire of classical, film and pop music and enjoy collaborating with the Galenical Chamber Choir for joint concert pieces too. Our most recent concert was for Christmas 2019, when we raised the roof with festive energy, including in our performance of ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ with the choir.

Recently we've been working on music from Dvorak's New World Symphony, Copland's Appalachian Spring, Rossini's William Tell and the Mary Poppins soundtrack. As part of my role, I have worked with the orchestral manager in arranging this music for the smorgasbord of instrumentalists that play in the group. This has allowed me to develop a greater repertoire knowledge of the musical canon and orchestration, as well as my organisation skills.

If you're ever passing Clifton on a Saturday, please come and have a listen!

Keyboard 1 in Legally Blonde production

In February 2019, it was fantastic fun and a privilege to be part of the pit band for Gillingham School’s production of Legally Blonde.

The production for 3 nights and a matinée performance, receiving critical acclaim for the phenomenally comedic and faultlessly talented performances of all the actors.

On keyboard 1, I played a variety of different parts and effects in a varied and challenging repertoire, from the sleazy jazz of “Blood in the Water”, to the moving “Find My Way”.

It was an amazing experience that I'd gladly do all over again.

The Twin Concert

On October 20th 2018, I was joined by my sister in concert at St Gregory's Church Marnhull. We played pieces from our Grade 8 repertoire, a few duets and each of us sang a song.

The programme included

• J. S. Bach Gigue: 7th movement from French Suite No. 5 in G, BWV 816
• Beethoven Allegro: 1st movement from Sonata in F minor, Op.2 No.1
• Chen Selling Sundry Goods: No. 1 from Four Piano Pieces based on Catonese Melodies, Op. 5
• R. Vaughan Willians Linden Lea: A Dorset Song

We arranged the whole thing including publicity posters and programmes and coffee and cakes (helped by our mum and her friend). We liaised with the church wardens and our teacher Stephen Binnington and are very grateful for their help in making the concert a success.

Everyone enjoyed themselves enormously and we raised a staggering £550 for choir funds. Our vicar was thrilled to bits and joked if we did a couple more we could get the roof fixed!

The Veteran's Dream - An Opera

Local composer Francesca Murray-Mattei wrote an opera in commemoration of those who lost their lives during World War 1. It was a privilege to form part of the small choir of singers and readers for the performance on the 13th October 2018. My role in the performance included singing the bass lines in harmony and unaccompanied and performing Francesca's composition 'Ave Maria' on my violin. I also played a violin obbligato to one of the songs.

Grade Exam Assistance

During spring 2018, I assisted my 11 year old friend, Patrick, to prepare for his Grade 1 Trumpet exam. As well as accompanying him in his exam, I arranged regular rehearsals, helped with tuning and expression and also acted as a moral boost for him to build up his confidence for the big day.

Furthermore, I provided Patrick with some tips and training towards the aural requirement at Grade 1, going through the exercises and familiarising him with them on a regular basis. In his exam piece, the arrangement of 'When the Saints', was beautifully synchronised and contributed towards Patrick's final achievement of a distinction. Well done Patrick!

I also assisted him with preparation for his Grade 2 Piano, including the aural requirement. In the run up to the exam, I gave Patrick a few lessons in order to polish his sight reading abilities. This included going through many exercises and building his understanding and confidence and methods of approach. I'm pleased to report Patrick also passed this exam with flying colours.