Silence is golden for fund-raising music students
Music scholars from Kingsdale Foundation School in West Dulwich, surprised their music teachers with a giant cheque for £700 during their Winter Concert.
The students raised the funds by organising a sponsored silence which involved over 40 music students staying silent for an entire morning. Music student, Raffaella Picca, said this was no easy feat for a busy and loud music department.
She said: “It was a great achievement just to be silent as our music block is a noisy place with so many students playing their instruments and singing. It was a nice surprise for our music teachers when we presented the cheque.”
The music department was renamed The Mary Graham School of Music in honour of the late Director of Music, Mary Graham who taught at the school for more than 50 years.
A percentage of the money raised will go to Guy’s Cancer Charity. Mary Graham set up the music scholarship programme allowing more than 1,500 pupils to get to grade six or above.
Students from the school have gone on to study at prestigious music establishments such as The Guildhall School of Music and graced many West End stages and major music festivals such as Glastonbury.
Music scholar, Laila Motalib-Haque, said: “I feel honoured to have known Mrs Graham. She was such an inspiring teacher. She encouraged me to join her Chamber Choir and also to play Violin and Piano. She made every student feel valued.
“Mrs Graham will always be missed and it’s a privilege to raise funds for charity in her memory and also for the music department she loved so much. We are fortunate to have such supportive and talented music teachers such as Mr Jones. Hopefully even more students will sign-up for this year’s sponsored silence.
Director of Performing Arts, Mr Jonathan Jones was delighted to receive the cheque from the students. He said: “It is great for the scholars to be involved in the department and understand how much it takes to keep music lessons, provisions and ensembles going.
“For them to recognise that and offer to help us is really good. It’s also an opportunity for students to learn about philanthropy and giving back to the community. I am delighted to know so many scholars took part. Thank you to the scholars for their hard work.”
The Kingsdale Winter concert was hosted by neighbouring school Dulwich College in their imposing Great Hall. Over 300 students performed in 22 ensembles ranging from percussion, cello, electric guitar and the school’s Gospel choir led by former Kingsdale student Kuziva Mazhude.
Both schools are part of The Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership which is a collaboration between 18 state and independent schools.
Fiona Angel, Acting Master of Dulwich College, commented: “At Dulwich College we are proud to be a part of The Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership (SSLP) where collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.
“Our close working relationship with Kingsdale Foundation School not only fosters a sense of community but also strengthens the educational opportunities for our students. Together, we share best practices, support each other’s professional development, and, most importantly, enrich the lives of our pupils.”
Gareth Hemmings, Director of Music, Dulwich College, said: ‘The Kingsdale Foundation School Winter Concert was a wonderful celebration of Music. It was a real joy to see over 300 young musicians clearly enjoying their music making in such a wide range of ensembles and to such a high standard. Many congratulations to all involved.”
Pictured top: Students Raffaella, Laila and Isaac presenting cheque to Mr Jonathan Jones (Director of Performing Arts) at the Kingsdale Winter Concert in Dulwich College (Picture: Kingsdale Foundation School)