Fba3115e df53 4edc bf11 1ac1fdda1d31 helen bruce

60 Seconds with Ms Bruce, Director of Performing Arts and Chamber Choir

Tell us a bit about yourself... I joined the KC family in 2005 and have absolutely loved my time here. Before becoming a teacher, I read Music at the University of Edinburgh (in the same year as Mrs Daniels), graduating with honours. I then attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama on the Mmus postgraduate vocal studies course. I took a two-year sabbatical from KC to study opera at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, receiving a scholarship to attend the MA Opera course, for which I achieved a distinction.  During this time I successfully auditioned for Welsh National Opera and English National Opera and performed in Moses und Aron at the Royal Opera House and The Force of Destiny, The Marriage of Figaro and Suor Angelica at the Coliseum. I'm now in my first year of being the Director of Performing Arts at KC and am very excited about what we can achieve.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

There are many things I enjoy about teaching; I like introducing new music to students and seeing them grow to love it like I do. I like it when a student starts to believe they CAN actually sing or play. More than anything, I love seeing young people having fun and excelling on stage, growing in confidence and achieving things they never thought they could. 

What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?

  1. There is no such thing as "can't" in Music. Just practice. Musicians aren't born, they have to put the time and effort in, just like any other profession!
  2. Don't let one misplaced comment from a friend, teacher or relative stop you from singing or playing if it brings you joy. You'd be surprised by the number of professional musicians who were once told they were no good.
  3. Be patient with the process - it might be a difficult journey but it is absolutely worth it in the end.

What are the department highlights and upcoming events?

One of my absolute favourite concerts was the Carnival of the Animals, the first whole school concert at KC, featuring musicians from Nursery up to Sixth Form with professional musicians.  It included many other departments within the school from Art to Physics and fostered the real sense of community on which KC runs. The Carol Service was particularly beautiful this year and we are now preparing for Anything Goes in March and the Ocean concerts in April! I'm also looking forward to the black tie opera gala in July.

Miss Handford's Reflections

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