Pupils past, present and future in harmony
Talented cellist Jasmine Leavesley who has performed for the Duke of Kent, sung on Radio 4 and recently worked with Will Young on her own composition will be among performers at a unique charity concert in South Derbyshire next month.
Foremarke Hall, Repton’s prep school, is delighted to have been asked by The Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council to organise a concert in Repton School’s 400 Hall to raise funds for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.
Tickets for the “Past, Present, Future” event which takes place on Friday, December 8 are now on sale and attracting plenty of interest. They cost £10 (under-14s free) and are available from The School Office, Foremarke Hall on 01283 707100 or by emailing office@foremarke.org.uk; from The Lodge at Repton School and from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre. Everyone is welcome.
The programme will involve some of the school’s current musicians, former pupils - now in the 6th form - and, to represent musicians of the future, members of the school’s Training Band along with six-year-old Jasiel, a promising cellist from Foremarke’s Pre-Prep.
Jasmine Leavesley began her cello lessons in Year One at Foremarke and achieved Grade 8 cello at the age of 14 under the tutelage of professor Felix Schmidt of the Royal Academy of Music, having been introduced to him by Foremarke’s cello teacher and former RAM student of Professor Schmidt, Stephanie Bloor. Jasmine is currently studying for her A-levels at Repton School.
Other past Foremarke musicians featuring in the concert will include Ana Peters, Matthew Rhodes, William Balderston and Rika Canaway.
Ana Peters was a member of the National Children’s Orchestra for three consecutive years while at Foremarke and holds the ABRSM Diploma on the piano. Ana gained a Music scholarship to Rugby School for the 6th form where she is studying for her A-levels and preparing to take a Diploma exam on the trumpet. Rika is also a former NCO member and a busy 6th form student. She is soon to take her French horn diploma.
Whilst at Foremarke Matthew Rhodes formed a brass quartet called the Biscuit Band - he arranged the music for this ensemble and they went on to record a CD. Matthew has reformed the band for the concert with fellow Repton students, Rika Canaway and William Balderston. The other original member was Francis Curzon, a student at Eton where he continues to enjoy his music. Ana will play for Francis in the concert.
Alex Smith, another Old Foremarkian, will be using his fine technical skills to be on hand throughout the concert with sound and lighting. Alex gives many hours to his work in the 400 Hall, Repton School, whilst busily working on his A-levels at Repton School.
Foremarke’s Director of Music Susan Bloor has selected music that will appeal to all tastes and ages. The concert will be followed by a drinks reception.
The Air Ambulance is the chosen charity this year of the Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council, Repton Councillor Michael Stanton.
Commenting on the event, Cllr Stanton said:
“I am very grateful to Foremarke Hall for all of the work they are putting into helping to raise crucial funds for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.
“The young musicians involved are very talented and the programme offers something for everyone. It promises to be a wonderful evening.”
30 November 2017