My name is Mimi and I am a Year 7 Music Scholar at Blackheath High School. I play the cello (Grade 8) and the piano (Grade 7). I’ve only been at the Senior School for a few months, but have already been really busy doing lots of wonderful things and have felt very welcomed by everybody.  

There are lots of opportunities in the Music department which is a very inspiring and joyful place to be. I play in a large range of extra-curricular music clubs at school, including the Clara Schumann string ensemble, Sinfonia, String Quartet and Chamber Choir. I have also taken part in various music events such as Tea Time, Spring and Autumn concerts, House Music competition, and the Scholar’s Concert. I also really enjoyed playing with the string quartet at Westcombe House Care Home at Christmas time. It was nice to bring a smile to the residents’ faces and get to speak to them after the performances. This is one of the reasons that I love music, because it brings people together. The doughnuts were also a bonus!   

In the Summer I will have the opportunity to take part in the GDST String Day, playing alongside the London Mozart Players. I’m really looking forward to this and think it will help me develop my orchestral skills further. I really enjoy playing in orchestras and I am a member of the National Childrens’ Orchestra of Great Britain, and the South London Youth Orchestra. I’m also looking forward to participating in the Cello Society’s Cello Day at the Royal Academy of Music, and the Blackheath Music festival. 

Even though I am busy doing lots of things with Music, there are still lots of other activities at Blackheath High School that I have been able to take part in and to follow my other interests and passions. In the Autumn, I really enjoyed the Poetry by Heart Competition where I learnt the poem ‘The Tyger’ by William Blake and had to recite it in the finals in front of the school. I also love learning languages (I’m currently learning 11 for fun - thanks Duolingo!)  and at school I was really happy to be one of the Year 7 representatives for the GDST Languages Festival, winning the French Spelling Bee. I hope to travel around the world when I’m an adult and maybe study abroad, so I have extended the options of places that I can go to!  

I really love being at Blackheath High because it feels like one big team where we all look out for each other and encourage each other to try new things. I can’t wait for the next few years. 

Written by Mimi, Music Scholar, Year 7