Hello I’m Lillia-Rose, I’m in Year 10 and I have been a Music Scholar since Year 7. I play the French Horn (Grade 7) and Piano (Grade 8) and am very passionate about putting female brass players in the spotlight.  

I started piano in Year 2 and progressed to the tenor horn in Year 4, as I wanted to be able to play in ensembles with others. In Year 5 I went to my local music shop and fell in love with a French Horn, which I bought for a bargain price and started to play immediately.  

Although COVID struck as I entered Blackheath High School as a Music Scholar in Year 7, this gave me the time to practice my French Horn and I have been devoted to it ever since. I play in a wide variety of music ensembles, including Sinfonia, Brass Ensemble, Need for Reed and Jazz Band. I also enjoy singing so am part of the Chamber Choir which I attend with many of my friends in Year 10.  

Beyond Blackheath High School, I recently auditioned for the Royal College of Music’s Junior Department and now attend every Saturday to continue to progress my French Horn playing and general musicianship. I have also played with Bromley Youth Symphony Orchestra and Greenwich Youth Orchestra and have enjoyed attending several music summer schools.  

In March I was invited to Sutton High School for an opportunity to audition to perform as a soloist with the London Mozart Players. I was successful and will be playing the Rondo from Mozart’s Horn Concerto with the London Mozart Players in the Fairfield Halls in Croydon in July. We have also had a number of fantastic performance opportunities within school this year, including the Christmas Concert in the Old Royal Naval College Chapel and the Spring Concert at the Royal Academy of Music.  

Exploring music beyond my traditional comfort zone, I have been attending Music Tech Club and also performing as part of the informal ‘Queens of Country’ evening. The Music Department is a very inspiring place to be, as you are supported to become the best you can in a friendly and joyful environment.  

Written by Lillia-Rose, Year 10, Music Scholar

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