We have heard wonderful news from our recent Old Beaudesertians whose musical journeys have thrived in their senior school and beyond.

Evie Jones (2010-2019)

I started taking piano lessons at Beaudesert at the age of six, and began learning the cello a couple of years later. Throughout my time at the School, I had weekly one-to-one lessons on both instruments, in which I learned fundamental techniques and exposed to a wide range of musical styles. My teachers gently pushed me to develop as a performer, while still allowing me to learn at my own pace, and understanding my individual needs. I was supported through performance and music theory examinations, as well as being encouraged to play widely outside of the classroom in the numerous ensemble opportunities that were presented to me: the orchestra, string ensemble, consort and jazz band, to name but a few! The complexity of playing alongside others taught me how to collaborate and helped me to train my ear.

When I left Beaudesert at the end of Year 8, my love for music stayed with me and I continued to receive instrumental tuition throughout senior school. Because of my exposure to orchestral playing from such a young age, I felt confident joining a new orchestra with so many older musicians, and upon reaching my final year of playing there I was fortunate to be made a principal cellist. Now, in my first year at the University of Edinburgh, I am continuing to play to a high standard through my involvement with their Symphony Orchestra, which rehearses regularly under the guidance of a world-class conductor and exposes me to a varied repertoire. I often think back to my formative musical years at Beaudesert, which undoubtedly laid strong foundations for my continued love of playing.

Paloma Johansen (2020-2023)

The Music Department was so inspiring for me while I was at Beaudesert. The ensembles, bands and concerts encouraged me to appreciate all kinds of aspects of music. The Music Department supported me so much to help me get my Music Scholarship to Marlborough College. My favourite memory of music at Beaudesert was when all the bands went to the Stowe recording studio to record some songs professionally. Since leaving Beaudesert, I have played at the Royal Academy of Music with my peers at Marlborough, and I aspire to study there in the future.

Ivo Parkes (2017-2024)

We are delighted to hear that Old Beaudesertian and music scholar, Ivo Parkes, has been offered a place at The Brit School. Whilst at Beaudesert, Ivo had an active involvement in the Music Department and had individual lessons in guitar and singing.

Will Shipsey (2011-2017)

Will was awarded the Basil Hume Music Scholarship to Ampleforth College when he left Beaudesert Park. At Beaudesert, he was keenly involved in instrumental ensembles and choirs. Will plays clarinet and is a singer. At Ampleforth College, Will particularly enjoyed his singing, and Mrs Saunders was privileged to watch him sing in a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Now, studying Classics at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, Will has been awarded a place in the Merton College Chapel Choir. Listen to a recording of the chapel choir for BBC Sound's Choral Evensong with Britten Sinfonia.

Elliott Ransome (2011-2020)

Beaudesert was the place where I was first introduced to music. I started piano lessons in Year 2 and immediately fell in love with it. A year later, I took up classical guitar where I progressed to Grade 5. I went from not knowing how to read music, to Grade 7 on the piano.

My teachers at Beaudesert gave me skills that set me up perfectly for continuing my musical journey at Marlborough College. I had so many opportunities at Beaudesert to develop my musical skills, with one of the most memorable being my trip to Cadogan Hall to sing with Consort. I was given so much encouragement at Beaudesert Park, and was supported in my application for my Music Scholarship at Marlborough. A key part of my development as a musician was performing in lots of different concerts at Beaudesert. Performing is never easy, but the support at Beaudesert meant my confidence grew.

I took up the drums and the violin during my time at Marlborough, which was made significantly easier from the foundations I had acquired at Beaudesert. At Marlborough, I have had the opportunity to sing in the chapel choir, play percussion in symphony orchestra, play the drum kit in big band, and develop my chamber music skills by playing the piano in various trios. Last year, the chapel choir performed one of the pieces that I had composed at Evensong, which allowed me to work with the choir to bring the piece to life. Most recently, I played the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto with the symphony orchestra, side-by-side with Sinfonia Smith Square, where Mrs Saunders and Mrs Shaw came to support me.

Learn more about our Music Department