News

Our students have been working hard in their music exams over this academic year with two particular talents achieving Grade 8 in Cello and Saxophone respectively. Our budding saxophonist has also been recognised as a rising talent and has been awarded the “most promising woodwind player” award at the recent Norfolk Young Musicians awards.

Sarah, who achieved Grade 8 in Cello, started playing an instrument in Year 5. Starting her musical career on the Violin, she loved the sound of the strings and chose to take up the Cello, preferring the tone and feel of the instrument. A multi-talented musician, Sarah also plays Piano which has supported her grades and cumulated in a successful Grade 8 in Cello at the very end of 2024.

Involved in many school performances, Sarah assists in running the school string ensemble and also plays in the school orchestra. She has also made many appearances at school and trust concerts through her time at the academy. Sarah also teaches at Thetford Music Project, a community scheme where children aged 7-12 can learn Violin and Keyboard, supporting the next generation of musicians.

When talking about her influences Sarah said:

“I like a lot of different classical music but really enjoy listening and playing music by Spanish and Eastern European composers, at the moment I am particularly enjoying playing pieces by Prokofiev.”

In Year 5, our saxophonist Jack started to play music on the piano. He enjoyed music lessons at primary and continued to take them when joining Thetford Academy, working all the way up to grade 8 on the piano. Less than two years ago, Jack started playing and learning the saxophone, last December he managed to achieve a Grade 8 and secure a Distinction!

Jack has played in multiple bands throughout his time at Thetford Academy, performing in concerts and recently enjoying being part of the jazz band. Jack has also played in Inspiration Trust competitions and really enjoys playing music with others. Since joining the jazz band, Jack has taken a keen interest in all types of Jazz and in preparation for his exams has learnt a range of classical and contemporary pieces.

Alongside the success in his music exams, Jack also was awarded the “most promising woodwind player” at the Norfolk Young Musicians competition, he said:

“I thought the other performers were amazing at the competition, there were about 15 of us that entered, all performing individually at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. It was a fantastic experience performing and the other performers were so good, it was amazing!

 

I wanted to enter the competition for some experience, with hopes to do well in following years. I hadn’t really thought that I might win! I was so excited and grateful to have been chosen, it was an awesome experience.”

The full range of opportunities on offer at Thetford Academy and Thomas Paine Sixth Form have set both Sarah and Jack up for success, with support to hone and grow musical knowledge and experience. The music department has been going from strength to strength, growing in size, introducing new clubs (now running nearly every lunchtime!), as well as the offer of free instrumental lessons and spaces for music scholars. 

Sarah and Jack have embraced these opportunities and dedicated a lot of time to practising their craft and excelling at music. They have aspirations to continue their musical careers after leaving the sixth form, with hopes to join university orchestras and mentor younger students in music. A massive congratulations to them both for all that they have achieved, we can’t wait to hear them performing again soon.