Visiting Music Teachers
This year we said goodbye to five long-serving instrumental teachers , who have served a staggering 136 years between them and contributed enormously to the musical life of the school . Students can build a special rapport with their music teachers in their oneto-one lessons ; all five will be fondly remembered by many current and former pupils .
Nancy Sargeant began teaching oboe at Sevenoaks in 1977 having graduated from the RAM with GRSM and LRAM diplomas in both oboe and piano . Until then , we hadn ’ t had a specialist oboe teacher . Nancy has always approached her teaching with an efficient and understated manner – and nurtured many talented oboe players over many years with her wealth of experience . An excellent pianist as well as oboist , Nancy is probably our longest serving instrumental teacher thus far , and now embarking on a well-deserved retirement .
Jane Gomm started at Sevenoaks in 1988 , while she was a member of the City of London Sinfonia , the London Mozart Players and also had her own chamber music group , the Ruskin Ensemble . Jane ’ s eternally positive demeanour rubs off on those around her , and her pupils have benefited from her energy and enthusiasm . Along with our ‘ other Jane ’( Dawson , see right ) she performed regularly in the Sevenoaks Players in our large concerts . Her professionalism as both player and teacher will be sorely missed .
Anthony Dawson came to Sevenoaks in 1992 , having graduated from Cambridge and the Guildhall . He sang professionally for a decade before joining BBC Radio 3 as Assistant Manager of the BBC Singers and Symphony Chorus . Anthony ’ s oratory skills are not just evident in his incredible singing voice but everyone who knows him will recognise the eloquence with which he recites stories and writes his emails ! He is loved by his pupils , both past and present , and his departure will create an audible and visible gap in the department .
Jane Dawson , who followed Anthony to Sevenoaks in 1993 having spent some years playing with the LPO , has taught violin and viola and been heavily involved in the very successful chamber music programme . She has coached violinists in all our larger ensembles . Jane draws the best out of her pupils with encouragement and passion for her instrument , but retirement for both Anthony and Jane will allow them more time for grandchildren and their beloved garden .
We were delighted when Old Sennockian Lynne Fugard ( OS 2007 ) returned nine years ago to teach flute . Since then , she has brought on a plethora of budding flautists . Lynne is a lady of many talents – not only a superb flautist but a qualified yoga teacher – and her eternally calm and friendly nature has generated huge respect and warmth from both colleagues and pupils . We wish her every success with her new ventures in Bristol .
Julia Kiggell
152 VALETE