Interview with a Leaving Grecian: Annabella

Annabella is one of our leaving Grecians (Year 13) – she has been a Monitor (prefect), Band Captain and is a very talented artist. Here, she talks about her time at CH:

“I was inspired to play the saxophone when I visited CH on an open day when I was in Year 5, and watching the Marching Band was when I realised I wanted to be a part of it. Visiting the school’s Art Department was another reason for me to apply, as I was amazed with the high standard of work that the students produced. Since joining CH, I have been in various music ensembles such as Senior Jazz, Saxophone Quartet, the Big Band and the Marching Band which I love being a part of. I am this year’s Band Captain, and I enjoy committing time to help others, reassuring new members who may feel unsure, saying that I was very much in the same position not so long ago! I joined the band in LE (Year 9) and have loved all the various events such as St Matthew’s day, Lord Mayor’s Parade, and even playing at Lord’s Cricket ground. The highlight there was definitely playing the theme to Game of Thrones; it felt almost surreal!

Music has played a huge role in my development during my time here, with opportunities from lunchtime concerts to improve with my confidence in performing, to bigger events such as playing Michael Nyman’s Where the Bee Dances in this year’s Angus Ross Gala Concert. Balancing art and music, as well as academics, has been key in my organisation skills, especially with art being a demanding subject. The theme given for our A-Level Art project lead me to create a suit out of Tunnock’s caramel wrappers, which reminds me of how liberal art can be at CH! I am going to do an Art Foundation at Central Saint Martin’s after leaving, and am very much looking forward to what that brings for the future. As well as this, I am also applying to various music colleges, due to the constant support from the music staff including Mr Hodgkinson and Miss Beere, my saxophone teacher. I hope to continue art and music once I leave CH, and I am very much going to miss all that this school has to offer!”