Inspirational alumni
Every year we say a fond farewell to the students leaving us to go to college and university, but we stay in touch with many and enjoy finding out where their music has taken them.
Our students go onto many things. Some disappear to far flung shores, whilst others remain much closer continuing their studies in higher education, and then returning to work as teachers and staff at West Sussex Music, encouraging the next generation of musicians.
We spoke to a few alumni to find out what they’ve been up to since leaving WSM.
Phil Wimble, who started trumpet lessons when he was seven, said,
“I joined the Worthing Area Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Band and Big Band. I joined the West Sussex County Youth Orchestra aged 12 in 2005. I was also one of the founder members of the Big Band, playing lead trumpet under Jason Mathias. I eventually left when I went to uni in 2011 but was asked back to cover some trumpet parts in County Youth Orchestra. I think all in all, I did from about 2001/2 until about 2013ish with WSM.”
Despite not playing the trumpet as much now, Phil continues to work in music. He said,
“Since 2016 after graduation I’ve worked in the booking agency side of the music industry. I worked at international booking agency UTA for six years and am now a booking agent at One Fiinix Live. We book artists international tours and live shows – creating routings, negotiating contracts, and planning the artists live career.”
Some artists Phil has worked on include Ed Sheeran, Post Malone, Burna Boy, Ms Lauryn Hill, Grimes, Sigrid, Aurora, 2CELLOS, Tiago PZK, Alice Cooper, Calum Scott, ROSALÍA, Katerine Jenkins and Alfie Boe.
James Underwood, Chief Executive for West Sussex Music, said,
‘West Sussex Music has been running for over 60 years, and in its current guise for the past 11 years. As teachers and musicians ourselves, we enjoy seeing children and young people progress from exploring music and learning instruments to becoming avid fans. It’s the most rewarding thing when we hear of where past students’ love of music has taken them since leaving WSM and what an important role it still plays in their life.”
Other success stories include Eleanor Goodier, she said,
“I’m a scientist and have continued to play violin in local orchestras whilst living in Cardiff with the Roath Chamber Orchestra. I was on the first desk of my section after doing so in the West Sussex Youth Orchestra and was able to play some really awesome music, such as flute/harp/horn/saxophone concertos, symphonies and even Peter And The Wolf for a family concert. Now I’ve recently joined Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra and am so excited to be part of local commission work. Always learning new things and attempting to practise.”
Helen Thomas sang in the West Sussex Girls’ Choir and played flute and piccolo in the West Sussex Wind Orchestra from 1995-1998. In 2009 she moved to Irelan to become a Lay Clerk (a member of the professional choir) at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. She said,
“I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement from all the Crawley and West Sussex Music staff. It’s thanks to the support, encouragement, musical education and opportunities I received through the Crawley Music Centre, Lodge Hill weeks/weekends (wow – the wild memories!) and West Sussex subsidised lessons that I went onto sing professionally.”
We love to hear from our alumni. If you’ve left recently or years ago, join the Facebook group here and share your memories.
