Music has long been a proud tradition at Kingsley and our current students continue to raise the bar with their dedication and talent. Across the age groups, it’s clear that music is more than just a subject – it’s a vital part of school life, a community-builder and an important means of self-expression. We spoke to three of our outstanding musicians – Lily (Year 6), Amelie (Year 11) and Ella (Year 13) – to find out more about their experiences and plans for the future.
Lily, Prep School (violin, guitar and voice)
Lily’s musical journey began in Year 3, when she first picked up a violin as part of the Key Stage 2 String Scheme. Taught by Mrs O’Reilly, alongside her classmates, she quickly discovered a flair for the instrument. Since then, her interest in music has blossomed. Now in Year 6, Lily has been busy working towards her Grade 2 singing exam (having earned a Distinction in her Grade 1), while continuing her violin studies at Grade 3 level and also playing the guitar.
Given her young age, what’s particularly striking about Lily is her appreciation of the emotional power of music. “What I love most about playing and singing is the way you can express different emotions,” she says. “It’s also amazing how music can affect your mood.” Whether performing in the Prep School Orchestra, singing in the choir, or rehearsing solos for the upcoming Year 6 production of ‘Matilda’, Lily’s joy and enthusiasm is evident.
Lily is grateful to her teachers and peers for their ongoing encouragement. “Everyone at Kingsley has been so supportive of my music,” she explains. The Prep School’s nurturing environment has clearly given Lily the confidence to shine and there’s every indication her love of music will continue!
Amelie, Senior School (flute, piccolo and piano)
In the Senior School, Year 11 student Amelie exemplifies the dedication and discipline required to reach the highest levels of performance. A talented flautist and pianist, she spends countless hours honing her skills and preparing for concerts, competitions and conservatoire work. “Music is my creative outlet,” she says. “It’s also a great way of connecting with others. Many of my closest friends are those I have met through music.”
Amelie’s list of accomplishments is as impressive as it is varied. From performing first flute in the pit orchestra for ‘Sweeney Todd’ to playing with professional musicians in ‘Calling All Dawns’, her experiences have pushed her technically and artistically. As a student of the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, she attends every Saturday, taking part in ensembles and advanced theory lessons. One of her proudest moments came when she performed a solo in ‘Smetena’ with the Symphony Orchestra.
Kingsley has played a vital role in supporting Amelie’s musical development. She was awarded a music scholarship on joining the school in Year 7 and is a regular soloist in assemblies and concerts. Her teachers, she says, are “incredibly understanding” of her busy schedule, helping her manage her academic responsibilities alongside rehearsals and competitions. Looking ahead, Amelie is planning to study Music at A-level and hopes to pursue a conservatoire degree in Music Performance. When we spoke to her, she was also busy preparing to work alongside Orchestra of the Swan in an upcoming jazz-inspired project – an exciting foray outside her classical comfort zone!
Ella, Sixth Form (voice, electric guitar and bass)
At the top of the school, Ella in Year 13 is an extremely versatile and creative musician. A singer and multi-instrumentalist with a strong flair for musical theatre, she balances her academic studies with an impressive range of musical commitments, both inside and outside of school.
“I enjoy participating in a variety of music groups,” she says. “I’m an active member of Kingsley’s Senior Swing Band and Cantus Amoris, and I also support the Junior Wind Band.” Performing with others, she adds, has sharpened her musicianship and brought a real sense of camaraderie. She also takes ballet and screen acting classes, building a holistic skillset that enhances her stage presence.
For Ella, music is about more than technical excellence – it’s about communication and creativity. “There’s something very exciting about composing and playing music – it’s electric!” she enthuses. Her deep interest in musical theatre has led to numerous performances in ‘Cabaret’ and beyond, and she’s already looking to expand her experience with volunteering and further auditions.
Ella’s A-level Music studies in the Sixth Form have expanded her horizons. The course has encouraged her to explore a more diverse range of music, sparking a new appreciation for impressionism and expressionism. Ella has achieved Distinctions in all her singing exams so far and is now working towards Grade 7. “I’m excited to see where music takes me in the future,” she says.
