In Harmony

Lily Wells CO26

Lily’s memories of music at Truro School range from the Chamber Choir, Jazz Band and ‘B Natural’ to leading roles including Eponine in Les Misérables, performances with the Cornwall Youth and National Youth Choirs, and singing for charities such as Charlie’s Star and Cornwall Air Ambulance at venues ranging from Cornish cathedrals to the Royal Albert Hall. She credits teachers including Mr Peter Thomson and Mr Palmer, along with the chance to sing alongside a live orchestra and jazz band, with shaping her confidence.

Music has remained central to her life since leaving Truro School; she still performs in several concerts and sings each year with the Chris Treglown Foundation Fund. This September, she begins a BA in Musical Theatre at Mountview, one of the UK’s leading drama schools, having secured one of just 40 places on her first application.

Asked to sum up the value of music education, Lily chose three words: “imperative, confidence and connection.”

Lily’s message to students: “never give up.”

David House CO82

David attended Truro School from 1975–1982 and was involved in the choir, group choir, recorder group and organ lessons, becoming an Organ Scholar in his final year. His strongest memories include Chapel, concerts at St Mary’s Methodist Church, the 1980 centenary celebrations and choir trips to the Isles of Scilly. Henry Doughty had a particularly lasting influence, teaching David at O and A level, teaching him the organ and directing musical groups. Music provided David with a strong foundation for friendship and musical development, while giving him a broad cultural outlook and helping him develop confidence, resilience, discipline, leadership, communication, listening, empathy and social skills. He also feels that music has supported his wellbeing by providing calming sounds and different ways of dealing with life’s ups and downs.

David’s message to students is ‘regular practice, listen to all you can, be pleasant.’

Lynette Carveth CO84

After leaving Truro School, Lynette went to the Royal Academy of Music, specialising in voice. After graduating, she moved to Madrid, where she sang with the chorus of Radiotelevisión Española, and then for 12 years with the chorus of the Teatro Real. In 2004, Lynette started her own company, Caprici Arte y Música, bringing small-scale opera, zarzuela and choral works to a wider audience. She continues to sing with groups such as the Diletto Ensamble baroque group in Valencia, and is a soprano for the Association of Spanish Symphonic Composers.

Richard Payler CO64

Richard attended Truro School from 1956–1964 and sang in the choir for a couple of years, with strong memories of singing Handel’s Messiah and Gilbert and Sullivan. Although music was only a small part of his school experience, he has gone on to sing in seven or eight choirs over the past 30 years, making it one of his favourite lifelong hobbies. He currently sings in Wokingham Choral Society. Through choral singing, he has developed a strong appreciation for teamwork and has taken on leadership roles, including serving as Chair or on committees. Music has also supported his physical and mental wellbeing and led to lasting friendships, including through singing alongside his wife in choirs around the country. Today, Richard remains very active in choral music, performing classical works and helping raise money for charities (£3k in just one year), and believes that music ‘broadens your horizon’ and can be rewarding for both individuals and their communities.

Richard’s message to students is that ‘being involved in music (like many other activities) is rewarding in many ways both to you and your community.’

Erin, current student

Music at Truro School plays a central role in Erin’s school experience, from playing saxophone, including memorable solos in the cathedral, to singing with the Chamber Choir, Jazz Band and ‘B Natural’, and taking on leading roles in school productions, including Cosette in Les Misérables and a lead role in her best friend Scarlett Crowdy’s musical, Crossroads. She credits teachers including Mr Thomson, Mr Palmer, Mr Oldfield and Tom Holland with shaping these experiences, and treasures the moments spent performing alongside her sister Lily and her best friend Scarlett. While she admits performing can still feel daunting, music has built her confidence and given her a strong sense of connection with friends who share her love of playing and performing. Asked to describe the value of music education in three words, Erin chose “vital, creativity, enriching.”

Erin’s message for fellow students is to simply “be brave.”

David Way CO59

David attended Truro School from 1952–1957 and was involved in the choir, with some of his strongest memories being singing services in the Chapel and performing works such as Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s Creation. His father, S. H. Way (Sammy), was Head of Music and had a particularly significant influence on his musical experience at school. Music gave David a lifelong love of singing and taught him the importance of listening, harmonising and working with others. Singing has continued to play an important role in his wellbeing and sense of belonging, and he remains a tenor with the Bournemouth Bach Choir, while music is also an important part of his family life.

David’s message to students is ‘to take part and try new things’.