Gifted Singer, Joe, Follows his Dream of a Career Singing
Joe, one of Sedbergh’s only Choral Scholars, has been recognised by the Junior Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) with the prestigious Sylvia Swiffin Award, for outstanding progress. Joe – and other “gifted young musicians aged 8 to 18” – attend the college on Saturdays to develop their talent and train with specialist tutors. During the week, Joe spends a lot of time in Sedbergh’s music block, “I’m constantly doing musical stuff and I absolutely love it. Being in the music block is such a nice place to work as well. It’s very calming and just a nice place to be.” Whilst having no illusions about the challenges ahead, Joe dreams of attending a Conservatoire – either in the UK or abroad – as a prelude to a singing career.
Chris Allinson, Director of Music, is delighted by Joe’s success and the example he sets, “Joe is an incredibly committed and hard-working musician, who is often to be found in the department honing his craft. We have known him since he was much younger, and it has been a privilege to see him grow not just as a very fine singer, but as somebody who leads by example in his manner and interaction with everybody – not least in his warm support of other musicians. He has had a brilliant year at the Junior RNCM and is a magnificent role model.”
Joe gratefully acknowledges the support of Sedbergh School (especially the Music Department), the RNCM, his vocal coach (Dr Caun) – and his parents.
Ever since I was little, like everyone, I suppose, I’ve had that dream, “Oh, I want to be a famous singer”. I appreciate how difficult it is and how many people have tried and failed, but equally I want to give it my best shot. It would be amazing.
I love singing classical and jazz. It’s just so free and so entertaining to sing – and entertaining for the audience to watch. I enjoy the interaction and the feedback from the audience; it’s nice. It’s not why I sing, but it is a nice part of it.
At A level, I’m studying Digital Media and Drama and Theatre Studies plus Business BTEC. I’m currently working towards my grade eight singing.
After Sedbergh, I’d like to go to a conservatoire to help my studies and hopefully broaden my range of technique as well because conservatoires are the places where you’re going to find the really big people. I’m applying to five conservatoires including; the Royal Northern College of Music, Royal College of Music in London, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Juilliard School in America. The application requirements are competitive; all of the conservatories have a different set list of songs, sight reading, prose, performance and interview.
The music team here at Sedbergh have helped endlessly, they’re amazing. I absolutely love them to bits. I joined in year nine and when you come to a school like this, it’s quite terrifying to be one of the only choral scholars the school’s ever had and you want to impress. But they’re just like a family to be honest. I have so many good things to say about them. They’ll back you in everything you want to do musically. They’ve helped me so much along the way.
For instance, building confidence is a massive thing. They let me perform in the Jazz & Swing Concert in year nine because I’d never been in front of a proper, paying audience. I’d like to give a special mention and thank you to my vocal coach (and former singing teacher) Dr. Karenna Caun who has helped me so much with confidence; she’s amazing. If I’m going to sing a Frank Sinatra song, for instance, before I go into the performance she tells me don’t sing it like Frank Sinatra, sing it like Joe would; sing it to the best of your ability.
The Sedbergh music ‘family’ has had some inspiring performers in recent years; Archie – who I think is the most amazing person, is a music boffin [attending Cambridge to study music in 2023].
The best thing for improving your confidence performing is get it wrong in a performance! That’s the best thing. At this year’s Jazz & Swing evening I had to restart the same song four times because the mic kept cutting out. At that point I put the mic down by my side and just sang the song without it. After that Mr. Allinson told me that I’ve broken the ice with the audience so there’s nothing to be nervous about at. So when I came back on stage, I was able to talk a bit and have a bit of a joke. Later in the evening I felt confident exploring what I could do on stage – I actually went out into the audience and sat next to one of the House masters.
I love sports. I play tennis. I think people always see musicians as just musicians or sportsmen and just sportsmen but I have a good all round interest; that’s how I’ve been brought up. I played rugby till year 8 and I loved it. I also love cricket and tennis, but running is my main sport.
To relax and wind down I’ll listen to music, do sport, socialise with people, chat to my parents on the phone. I also play a bit of piano… and do singing practice!
The school value that most resonates with me is kindness. A lack of kindness turns into a lack of respect for people and things like that. So, I really try to be kind to people because it’s the right thing to do. And in the least cliche way, if possible, life’s tough and kindness is just something that’s going to help you out now and again.
