What is your instrument of choice — including your voice?
My instrument of choice is and has always been voice. As a soloist I'm a mezzo-soprano and in choirs I sing the alto part. I played piano and saxophone at school but my passion for singing has always outweighed them both.
What do you love about playing music?
I love making music because it is a unique form of communication. One can express a range of emotions that might otherwise be considered too raw to convey in everyday life, or perhaps something that is too uncomfortable to be communicated through words. Imagine discussing love in the detailed and specific way that you'd sing about it – you'd come across as exaggerated and insincere.
Teamwork is the backbone of musicianship. Trust and respect must exist between performers because the finished product depends on everyone taking responsibility for their own part, no matter how big or small it is. A successful performance is satisfying for everyone and that shared success strengthens the bond between musicians. That feeling is always worth the hours of hard work that come beforehand.
Did you study, or are you currently studying, music at uni?
I have a Masters in Musical Performance from Bangor University. I stayed on after completing my BMus.
Why did you join your current group?
When I was at school I sang in Hertfordshire-based youth choir Cantate and we collaborated with the Bach Choir for Christmas concerts at Guildhall. It seemed like a natural progression for me to sing the great choral works with with David Hill and the Bach Choir when I "grew up".
What do you get from the group?
There are so many advantages to singing in the Bach Choir. We perform in London's top concert halls with famous orchestras and record film soundtracks in iconic venues such as Abbey Road Studios. Since joining the choir I've toured to China and Hong Kong and sung at Buckingham Palace. I've also made some great friends who I regularly socialise with outside of choir. I've actually just returned from a skiing trip with a group of them.
Do you feel there are enough opportunities for young people to find an outlet for their musical talents?
I wish I could say yes but the answer is mostly no. The cost of music tuition and instruments adds up. If schools and parents don't have the means to fund these experiences, the opportunity for a child to discover and nurture their musical talents may be missed.
What more do you think could be done to get young people excited about learning music or joining a group?
There's no such thing as too much encouragement when it comes to getting children involved in music. Outreach projects are a great way to introduce children to music through fun and easy learning experiences. The Bach Choir has a programme which provides free workshops and rehearsals to primary school children in London, culminating in an annual summer performance. It's great to see the children's confidence levels growing as they find new ways to express themselves.
thebachchoir.org.uk / makingmusic.org.uk
If you are a community choir, orchestra or band and you want to reach out to young people please go to artsawardsupporter.com/makingmusic to find out more
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