Tony and Angela (nee mortimer) Bennett .
Well, that’s brought up a whole host of memories for us! Tony and I met whilst we were members of Newham Youth Orchestra and last Friday 21 June celebrated our thirty-third Wedding Anniversary! Tony played percussion – along with Colin Hamlin and I was originally the lowliest oboe player with Andy Creet and Alec Kellaway. The first trip for us was to Maria Grey College at New Year, also playing under Sir Adrian Boult. Richard, you would remember Tony’s rogue of a brother Colin, (Ed: I do indeed!) who played trombone and sadly passed away five years ago. Colin, Tony and myself went to Denmark and we remember the legendary ‘little white boxes’ , neither of us were sick on the way home and I vividly remember spending the night on deck huddled under a blanket. Newham Goes to Town, Gibraltar and Germany although by the time of Gibraltar and Germany Tony was in the Police. He’s just left after 38 years! My memory of Gibraltar was to have the responsibility for the hired Cor Anglais and then playing the solo in the second movement of the Dvorak’s New World Symphony in the Caves as Maryann’s fingers couldn’t quite make the keys.
Didn’t we also make a record with a very glam rock group of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat by the owner of that lovely hotel in Gib with the swimming pool? I have a memory of making it in a local school in Newham? Anyone else recall that?
The New Year trips to Maria Grey as ‘guinea pigs’ for trainee Conductors were always great fun. Many’s the time that Tony’s brother Colin and Andy Creet had to scale the walls after they had been out on the town and the gates were locked by the time they got back. Although neither of us pursued a career in music, our three children have taken up the ‘baton’ (excuse the pun). I haven’t played in years but my oboe has helped young musicians on their way: Tony’s cousin learned on it and went on to be the first woman accepted on the Royal College Musical Director Course and has recently worked with Steven Sondheim and Michael Ball. A wonderful trip through our teenage years and how great to be able to look back so fondly on everything we were able to achieve.
Didn’t we also make a record with a very glam rock group of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat by the owner of that lovely hotel in Gib with the swimming pool? I have a memory of making it in a local school in Newham? Anyone else recall that?
The New Year trips to Maria Grey as ‘guinea pigs’ for trainee Conductors were always great fun. Many’s the time that Tony’s brother Colin and Andy Creet had to scale the walls after they had been out on the town and the gates were locked by the time they got back. Although neither of us pursued a career in music, our three children have taken up the ‘baton’ (excuse the pun). I haven’t played in years but my oboe has helped young musicians on their way: Tony’s cousin learned on it and went on to be the first woman accepted on the Royal College Musical Director Course and has recently worked with Steven Sondheim and Michael Ball. A wonderful trip through our teenage years and how great to be able to look back so fondly on everything we were able to achieve.
Sheila Masters
Newham Academy Of Music – A Tribute by Sheila Masters
Music is a systemic condition which, allowed to develop unfettered, can permeate every part of your being and can have a place in every part of your life. Wherever music finds fertile growing conditions the senses are awakened as it embeds itself into conscious and subconscious awareness.
Some people are born into music. They inherit a genetically musical disposition from parents and ancestors. Others grow into music. They become touched by music at some point in their lives and it invades their system.
I was born into a musical family in which music was an integral part of life. Singing, playing or listening to music were constants, as natural as thinking or breathing. Music in various forms was present all around us from birth and in such an environment it is never considered an optional extra. It is simply and always just a part of life.
Both my parents sang wonderfully. They met while singing with the Welsh at Hyde Park Corner just after the end of the war. My father was also a tuba player while my mother played viola.
From early childhood I was taught piano but I was never more than average. Then at five years of age I was introduced to brass and there my love story with music began. My first instrument was a euphonium but although I loved the tone it produced, the instrument itself was much bigger than me. I moved quickly on to a baritone, smaller than the euphonium but as I was only little it was still physically too big for me to handle. I dabbled briefly with trumpet, cornet and even trombone but none of them ‘fitted’ me.
Then I found it… the tenor horn. This was my instrument. I loved it. It produced a heavenly sound that touched my spirit and transported me to an ethereal plane. From then on I was a horn player....
My life with music took on an entirely different dimension when I was 11 years old and we moved to Forest Gate in Newham. This was the 60s when money was tight and many families were struggling to get by. My parents couldn’t afford to buy me a tenor horn so I had always used a borrowed instrument and when we moved to Newham I suddenly had nothing to play.
But before very long I was given the opportunity to join the Newham Academy Of Music where I was introduced to horn teacher Mr Edmund Codling. He explained to me that they had no tenor horns so I would have to learn to play the french horn. It may not sound much to other people but that was a huge transition for me. I had become very fluent with the tenor horn and this french horn looked pretty much alien in comparison. It was even in a different key.
My tenor horn had been in Eb but the french horn was in F/Bb. I tried the instrument, a nice laquered shiny brass machine made in Czechoslovakia I believe. But it wasn't right for me. We didn't really meld.
Then Mr Codling had a thought and he fetched another instrument. It was an old and slightly battered, dull and unpolished french horn which had seen much better days.
Well, I tried it and suddenly I was in love all over again. That instrument had the sweetest, most beautiful tone of any horn I have ever heard.
It was old but it was wonderful! It was an E horn made in France and it was not without its challenges especially as most orchestral horn music was written in F and brass band pieces in Eb. As this old machine was in E it meant I would have to transpose every piece of orchestral or brass band band music as I played... but I didn't care. That was a skill I would master. That instrument fitted me like a glove.
From that day I entered a new and thrilling world - the world that existed only behind the doors of Newham Academy of Music. The Academy became a major factor in my life. Tuesday evening was my horn lesson. Thursday evening was brass band practice and Saturday was youth orchestra practice. I loved every minute of it. Although I was an extremely shy youngster, I nevertheless had a great passion for music and great appreciation of the people and life of the Academy.
We staged concerts regularly at East Ham Town Hall, famously performing at the Mayor's Banquets, and we also performed at many other venues around London. There were also of course the grand events of Newham Goes To Town when we performed at The Royal Festival Hall and at The Royal Albert Hall. What amazing adventures those were! In 1969 we toured Denmark and that in itself is a whole other story…
And all the time we were taught, coached and conducted by some of the finest musicians and grandest characters in music of the day, including our own Edward Parker, Michael Toll and William Roskelly.
I am truly thankful for Newham Academy Of Music. I am so grateful for the musical encouragement, education and skill building I received there. My parents were poor as church mice and they could never have afforded to give me the musical education and experience I enjoyed at the Academy. I feel so privileged to have had such a wonderful opportunity.
Music is a systemic condition which, allowed to develop unfettered, can permeate every part of your being and can have a place in every part of your life. Wherever music finds fertile growing conditions the senses are awakened as it embeds itself into conscious and subconscious awareness.
Some people are born into music. They inherit a genetically musical disposition from parents and ancestors. Others grow into music. They become touched by music at some point in their lives and it invades their system.
I was born into a musical family in which music was an integral part of life. Singing, playing or listening to music were constants, as natural as thinking or breathing. Music in various forms was present all around us from birth and in such an environment it is never considered an optional extra. It is simply and always just a part of life.
Both my parents sang wonderfully. They met while singing with the Welsh at Hyde Park Corner just after the end of the war. My father was also a tuba player while my mother played viola.
From early childhood I was taught piano but I was never more than average. Then at five years of age I was introduced to brass and there my love story with music began. My first instrument was a euphonium but although I loved the tone it produced, the instrument itself was much bigger than me. I moved quickly on to a baritone, smaller than the euphonium but as I was only little it was still physically too big for me to handle. I dabbled briefly with trumpet, cornet and even trombone but none of them ‘fitted’ me.
Then I found it… the tenor horn. This was my instrument. I loved it. It produced a heavenly sound that touched my spirit and transported me to an ethereal plane. From then on I was a horn player....
My life with music took on an entirely different dimension when I was 11 years old and we moved to Forest Gate in Newham. This was the 60s when money was tight and many families were struggling to get by. My parents couldn’t afford to buy me a tenor horn so I had always used a borrowed instrument and when we moved to Newham I suddenly had nothing to play.
But before very long I was given the opportunity to join the Newham Academy Of Music where I was introduced to horn teacher Mr Edmund Codling. He explained to me that they had no tenor horns so I would have to learn to play the french horn. It may not sound much to other people but that was a huge transition for me. I had become very fluent with the tenor horn and this french horn looked pretty much alien in comparison. It was even in a different key.
My tenor horn had been in Eb but the french horn was in F/Bb. I tried the instrument, a nice laquered shiny brass machine made in Czechoslovakia I believe. But it wasn't right for me. We didn't really meld.
Then Mr Codling had a thought and he fetched another instrument. It was an old and slightly battered, dull and unpolished french horn which had seen much better days.
Well, I tried it and suddenly I was in love all over again. That instrument had the sweetest, most beautiful tone of any horn I have ever heard.
It was old but it was wonderful! It was an E horn made in France and it was not without its challenges especially as most orchestral horn music was written in F and brass band pieces in Eb. As this old machine was in E it meant I would have to transpose every piece of orchestral or brass band band music as I played... but I didn't care. That was a skill I would master. That instrument fitted me like a glove.
From that day I entered a new and thrilling world - the world that existed only behind the doors of Newham Academy of Music. The Academy became a major factor in my life. Tuesday evening was my horn lesson. Thursday evening was brass band practice and Saturday was youth orchestra practice. I loved every minute of it. Although I was an extremely shy youngster, I nevertheless had a great passion for music and great appreciation of the people and life of the Academy.
We staged concerts regularly at East Ham Town Hall, famously performing at the Mayor's Banquets, and we also performed at many other venues around London. There were also of course the grand events of Newham Goes To Town when we performed at The Royal Festival Hall and at The Royal Albert Hall. What amazing adventures those were! In 1969 we toured Denmark and that in itself is a whole other story…
And all the time we were taught, coached and conducted by some of the finest musicians and grandest characters in music of the day, including our own Edward Parker, Michael Toll and William Roskelly.
I am truly thankful for Newham Academy Of Music. I am so grateful for the musical encouragement, education and skill building I received there. My parents were poor as church mice and they could never have afforded to give me the musical education and experience I enjoyed at the Academy. I feel so privileged to have had such a wonderful opportunity.
Colin Waller
I Have a host of memories which might jog some “little grey cells” in others. Not necessarily in date order!
My first memory is joining the youth orchestra when it was in the NAM main hall under Ted P. I was in way over my head. Beethoven Sym. No 1 with transposing horn parts. I didn’t know what the word transposing meant let alone how to do it. Ted was such an inspiration. That man has everything to answer for in making me who I am musically!!!!
Youth Orchestra Horn Sections as I remember them were:-
David Leader, Sheila Masters, me, plus 1 (sorry I was reminded of his name but its gone. Ginger hair??). David is, I believe, a Peripetetic in Nottingham but haven't managed to make contact with him.
Then Sheila, me, Eric, Ruth Dyer, and Derek Broadbridge. I think Derek has now passed on and have no idea about Ruth
Our first Euro tour was Denmark. Who can forget the little white boxes. Great concerts including Dvorak Sym 8 and Stephen Brown played Haydn cello Concerto and Ed Hooson Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3 plus Malcolm Arnold Little Suite. The boat journey in a gale with everyone throwing up except Les Shadrake! (the Editor added: To clarify, both Eric Austin and myself did not throw up - we were both had drunk several pints of lager and had eaten fish and chips as a precaution!) I slept on the top deck in the open air with just a blanket covering me.
Then Gibraltar. Great concerts including the Faure Requiem in the big cave with water dripping on us during the performance! The apes on the mountain (that’s real monkeys not the NYO brass section LoL) and the changing of the guard outside government house. A great hotel with swimming pool where we spent most of the free time. This was the inspiration for my Symphonic Poem “The Rock” which won me my Fellowship.
Keiserslaughten. Going to a Beer Keller and drinking Steins. Chris Harrison and Cyril Suckling conducting the Oompa Band.
Then there were the Maria Grey courses. I used to live for those. Especially spending New Year there and the orchestra party. Especially the courses with Sir Adrian Bolt. How many students can say they have played under his baton. Eric arguing with him in Weber Oberon. How many can say they have done that!!
Amongst all the repertoire we did Dvorak Symphony No8 which always returned on a regular basis. I also remember the very first of my compositions that NYO played which was a romance for Viola and Orchestra played by Andrew Fotheringham.
Then we all went our separate ways, Eric to the marines (I still say I should have gone as well), Me to Trinity College of Music and so on.
OK the rest of you fill in the blanks!
Colin
My first memory is joining the youth orchestra when it was in the NAM main hall under Ted P. I was in way over my head. Beethoven Sym. No 1 with transposing horn parts. I didn’t know what the word transposing meant let alone how to do it. Ted was such an inspiration. That man has everything to answer for in making me who I am musically!!!!
Youth Orchestra Horn Sections as I remember them were:-
David Leader, Sheila Masters, me, plus 1 (sorry I was reminded of his name but its gone. Ginger hair??). David is, I believe, a Peripetetic in Nottingham but haven't managed to make contact with him.
Then Sheila, me, Eric, Ruth Dyer, and Derek Broadbridge. I think Derek has now passed on and have no idea about Ruth
Our first Euro tour was Denmark. Who can forget the little white boxes. Great concerts including Dvorak Sym 8 and Stephen Brown played Haydn cello Concerto and Ed Hooson Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3 plus Malcolm Arnold Little Suite. The boat journey in a gale with everyone throwing up except Les Shadrake! (the Editor added: To clarify, both Eric Austin and myself did not throw up - we were both had drunk several pints of lager and had eaten fish and chips as a precaution!) I slept on the top deck in the open air with just a blanket covering me.
Then Gibraltar. Great concerts including the Faure Requiem in the big cave with water dripping on us during the performance! The apes on the mountain (that’s real monkeys not the NYO brass section LoL) and the changing of the guard outside government house. A great hotel with swimming pool where we spent most of the free time. This was the inspiration for my Symphonic Poem “The Rock” which won me my Fellowship.
Keiserslaughten. Going to a Beer Keller and drinking Steins. Chris Harrison and Cyril Suckling conducting the Oompa Band.
Then there were the Maria Grey courses. I used to live for those. Especially spending New Year there and the orchestra party. Especially the courses with Sir Adrian Bolt. How many students can say they have played under his baton. Eric arguing with him in Weber Oberon. How many can say they have done that!!
Amongst all the repertoire we did Dvorak Symphony No8 which always returned on a regular basis. I also remember the very first of my compositions that NYO played which was a romance for Viola and Orchestra played by Andrew Fotheringham.
Then we all went our separate ways, Eric to the marines (I still say I should have gone as well), Me to Trinity College of Music and so on.
OK the rest of you fill in the blanks!
Colin
Paul Lewis
I used to go to the Academy of Music on a Saturday morning in the late 70's. I was originally taught by Ms Nash, a lovely lady. i played solo to along with others in front of parents & friends audiences at the academy to show how well we were doing.
I went on a three day course with the other students to what was the old BA hostel in Heston, I was 10 at the time and my first time away from my parents, but well looked after. My greatest achievement was playing violin in an orchestra in East Ham Town Hall. Thanks for putting this on Richard it has brought back wonderful
memories
I went on a three day course with the other students to what was the old BA hostel in Heston, I was 10 at the time and my first time away from my parents, but well looked after. My greatest achievement was playing violin in an orchestra in East Ham Town Hall. Thanks for putting this on Richard it has brought back wonderful
memories
(name lost, sorry!)
I was a member of the Newham Girls' Choir, around 1965/66. I have a wonderful memory of performing at The Wigmore Hall with Rudolph Sabor and Edward Parker. The soprano, Leanora Fane sang in this concert, with us as chorus in Wagner's Spinning Chorus. I shall never forget Rudolph's interpretation of Yulisha Under The Lilac Tree and Stenka Razin ( I felt honoured to sing a solo in this).
Wonderful memories.
Wonderful memories.
Geraldine Drew
I was the youngest member of the youth orchestra at one time. I played piccolo as my fingers were too small to play flute, then played flute. Used to go every Saturday morning. I Remember Mr Parker the conductor & Mr Toll - good times.
Michelle Convoy
Wow that's just bought back great memories. I used to play cello at the academy on sat mornings and sang in the choir we used to go on week long trips away. I played many a concert with them, the biggest being the royal Albert hall and having it taped. Had to leave when I started college was a sad day as had to hand back my cello. it was a brill 5 yrs.
Michelle Convoy
Wow that's just bought back great memories. I used to play cello at the academy on sat mornings and sang in the choir we used to go on week long trips away. I played many a concert with them, the biggest being the royal Albert hall and having it taped. Had to leave when I started college was a sad day as had to hand back my cello. it was a brill 5 yrs.
Sheila Masters
I haven't really put any thought into NAM memories yet - but reading Colin's comments on the Denmark trip just had to mention this: I have always clearly remembered that return trip on deck in a gale force 9 watching various members of the orchestra lean over the rail and throw up - into the wind - and then watched the vomit fly straight back into their faces! When they turned around they were covered with sick.... hilarious...! Just wish I'd had a camera there
Also remember one of the staff bought far too much booze to declare at customs and he got various brass players including myself to smuggle bottles of spirits through customs stuffed up the bell of our instruments.
I'll put my thinking cap on and see what memories I can dredge up....
Also remember one of the staff bought far too much booze to declare at customs and he got various brass players including myself to smuggle bottles of spirits through customs stuffed up the bell of our instruments.
I'll put my thinking cap on and see what memories I can dredge up....
Fred Hannaford
I was one of those children in 1957 who was given the opportunity and was given a violin and lessons by Marta Heitla. I played at the Festival hall with the orchestra. I have been teaching Brass lessons in limerick and Clare Ireland for the passed 15 years and am involved with Summer music on the Shannon and Galway see www.summermusicingalway.com
Without Newham academy I would not be able to have been involved in My love of Music.
Thanks for the opportunity to say thanks
I was one of those children in 1957 who was given the opportunity and was given a violin and lessons by Marta Heitla. I played at the Festival hall with the orchestra. I have been teaching Brass lessons in limerick and Clare Ireland for the passed 15 years and am involved with Summer music on the Shannon and Galway see www.summermusicingalway.com
Without Newham academy I would not be able to have been involved in My love of Music.
Thanks for the opportunity to say thanks
Sylvia Schembri
Recently I came across the Newham Music Academy website with blogs of various past members recalling a trip to Gibraltar the Newham Youth Orchestra made in 1973. I was so amazed that I emailed the contact address and here is a short resume of my experience from that time.
My name is now Sylvia Schembri, but in 1973 I was Sylvia Cortes, music teacher, orchestral player (clarinet) and married to Hector Cortes, conductor of the Gibraltar Symphony Orchestra who was a teacher, composer, arranger and founder of the Gibraltar Girls Choir. He was a very talented all round musician given to encouraging the youth of Gibraltar to discover and enjoy music making. In 1973 my husband wrote an article in an edition of 'Living Music' and as a result of reading this article, Stephen Moore, Secretary of the Schools Music Association, contacted Hector Cortes. This eventually led to a 10 day visit to Gibraltar by Stephen Moore and Michael Toll, Music Advisor for the London Borough of Newham. It was a very enjoyable visit and my husband and myself were proud to show Stephen and Michael the musical education system we had developed on the Rock, including our Music Centre and work with the various schools on the Rock. Stephen gave two lectures to teachers and along with Michael gave a TV interview on Gibraltar's local TV station. Talks were held with the Minister for Culture and Sport and the Director and Minister for Education in Gibraltar - links were forged!
Arrangement were made after these discussions for the Newham Academy Youth Orchestra to come out to Gibraltar. One of the comments I read on the website was about the lovely Hotel the children stayed at with a swimming pool, which was, if I remember, the Bristol Hotel. Unfortunately, I have no other paperwork about the concerts which were given (this is now over 40 years ago and I was only 25 years of age!!!) These concerts I know made quite an impact on the community in Gibraltar.
In March 1974 the Gibraltar Girls Choir came to London and carried out a series of concerts including a shared concert with the Newham Girl Singers (conductor Margaret Kay) and the Newham Youth Orchestra (conductors Laurie Griffiths and William Roskelly). Gibraltar's famous guitarist, William Gomez, also performed some guitar solos. This concert was given at the Town Hall in the presence of the Mayor, Councillor J C Taylor. I remember being invited to the Mayors Parlour for a small reception after the preformance.
Sadly, my marriage broke up and I came back to UK in 1976 and completely gave up the music scene. I remarried and went into nursing then secretarial work. I am now retired and have recently found out that Hector Cortes died in September 2013.
It would be nice to hear from anyone who was involved in those concerts and what impact it had on them and whether anybody followed on with a career in music.
Sylvia Schembri
May 2014
Recently I came across the Newham Music Academy website with blogs of various past members recalling a trip to Gibraltar the Newham Youth Orchestra made in 1973. I was so amazed that I emailed the contact address and here is a short resume of my experience from that time.
My name is now Sylvia Schembri, but in 1973 I was Sylvia Cortes, music teacher, orchestral player (clarinet) and married to Hector Cortes, conductor of the Gibraltar Symphony Orchestra who was a teacher, composer, arranger and founder of the Gibraltar Girls Choir. He was a very talented all round musician given to encouraging the youth of Gibraltar to discover and enjoy music making. In 1973 my husband wrote an article in an edition of 'Living Music' and as a result of reading this article, Stephen Moore, Secretary of the Schools Music Association, contacted Hector Cortes. This eventually led to a 10 day visit to Gibraltar by Stephen Moore and Michael Toll, Music Advisor for the London Borough of Newham. It was a very enjoyable visit and my husband and myself were proud to show Stephen and Michael the musical education system we had developed on the Rock, including our Music Centre and work with the various schools on the Rock. Stephen gave two lectures to teachers and along with Michael gave a TV interview on Gibraltar's local TV station. Talks were held with the Minister for Culture and Sport and the Director and Minister for Education in Gibraltar - links were forged!
Arrangement were made after these discussions for the Newham Academy Youth Orchestra to come out to Gibraltar. One of the comments I read on the website was about the lovely Hotel the children stayed at with a swimming pool, which was, if I remember, the Bristol Hotel. Unfortunately, I have no other paperwork about the concerts which were given (this is now over 40 years ago and I was only 25 years of age!!!) These concerts I know made quite an impact on the community in Gibraltar.
In March 1974 the Gibraltar Girls Choir came to London and carried out a series of concerts including a shared concert with the Newham Girl Singers (conductor Margaret Kay) and the Newham Youth Orchestra (conductors Laurie Griffiths and William Roskelly). Gibraltar's famous guitarist, William Gomez, also performed some guitar solos. This concert was given at the Town Hall in the presence of the Mayor, Councillor J C Taylor. I remember being invited to the Mayors Parlour for a small reception after the preformance.
Sadly, my marriage broke up and I came back to UK in 1976 and completely gave up the music scene. I remarried and went into nursing then secretarial work. I am now retired and have recently found out that Hector Cortes died in September 2013.
It would be nice to hear from anyone who was involved in those concerts and what impact it had on them and whether anybody followed on with a career in music.
Sylvia Schembri
May 2014
Richard Taylor
I taught violin and viola at Newham in 1969 and 1970. I was delighted to take part in 'Newham Goes to Town' and the Denmark tour. A few years ago I was very pleased to catch up with Keith Gurry when he played at Snape Maltings, five minutes from where I live.
I am now retired after moving to a 31 year career in Design and Technology teaching in Suffolk.
I build historic harpsichords and clavichords and am about to comple number 48. The late Sir Charles Mackerras was one of my customers.
I have fond memories of Newham and met my wife, a Newham music teacher, at the Saturday morning music school. We are near neighbours to Wendy Griffiths, late of The Academy.
I taught violin and viola at Newham in 1969 and 1970. I was delighted to take part in 'Newham Goes to Town' and the Denmark tour. A few years ago I was very pleased to catch up with Keith Gurry when he played at Snape Maltings, five minutes from where I live.
I am now retired after moving to a 31 year career in Design and Technology teaching in Suffolk.
I build historic harpsichords and clavichords and am about to comple number 48. The late Sir Charles Mackerras was one of my customers.
I have fond memories of Newham and met my wife, a Newham music teacher, at the Saturday morning music school. We are near neighbours to Wendy Griffiths, late of The Academy.
Richard Batty
My very happy memories of Newham Academy, both the time spent there and the building are in my thoughts daily. Now as a professional musician and teacher I think of those formative years with great fondness. I often refer to my experiences within the teaching context of my own students. The teaching I received was often excellent, as was the experience of growing up with like-minded people, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
It is perhaps hard in today’s modern world to see what affection one could have for an intimidating Victorian/Edwardian designed educational institute that today would be condemned as unfit for purpose, but in fact the building was as important to me as the education I received within it. It was difficult if not impossible for me to practice at home (My family situation did not allow for that) and thus the Academy became my favourite place becoming my practice room as well as a meeting place for friends. The tile-lined stairwells, and the vast glazed upper parts which formed the construction of many of the cavernous rooms and allowed borrowed light to fill the corridors still evoke happiness to me. I remember practicing there until I was thrown out at closing time! I have memory of mounting that vast stone staircase outside, through the oak doors with shiny brass handles into the entrance hall with its ‘who is in and who is out’ name board with sliding shutters to tell us which teachers were present at the time. On the right was the office with the welcoming face of Pat the secretary who was always nice to me. Behind that the staff room, the hallowed sanctuary where the teachers could escape the babble and froth of the students. The tuck shop on Saturday morning was also a firm favourite, as were the parents who regularly gave up their Saturday mornings to serve us there.
My teachers were a mixed bunch, some great and others well, not so great. Each taught me something though, if even that was not how to teach! I remember I had a new trumpet teacher on one occasion. I was at an arrogant time of life when trumpet players were the kings, and cornet players were therefore not. When I arrived in anticipation of meeting my new teacher my heart sank as far as it could. He was wearing a Salvation Army Uniform which meant he was a brass band player and therefore a CORNET player. I was soon to be put right though, as his playing was amazing, he being principal cornet with The Sally Army's No1 Band. I remember this lovely man’s first name was Bramwell, and his crowning glory was that he saw me as a broken, angry young man before him who was feeling the difficulties and vulnerabilities of a family break up, trying unsuccessfully to live with my mother and her new man in our grandparents house which was overcrowded (not to be recommended) and he listened. I learned much about life, and that helped to heal the hurt and anger, and we learned some trumpet also!
To be able play in the Newham Youth Orchestra for me was, and still is the most amazing honour. I regarded it as one of the finest Youth orchestras in the country at the time, which is a bold claim to make for a very poor borough such as Newham. The vision of both Michael Toll and Edward Parker was truly inspirational and so many of us from that era owe them both and the staff a great debt of gratitude. To play in some of the finest concert halls of our nation was beyond my wildest dreams. I could also wax lyrical about Junior brass band and other ensembles that were so enveloping, but alas dear reader I feel I may take too much of your patience.
I am genuinely humbled and happy to say that the Academy shaped me musically and to a large extent personally into the person I am today, and for that I am truly grateful. I just hope I can pass to my audiences and students some of that training, life experience and understanding to do the same for some of them.
One of the great landmarks of my life - thank you Newham Academy of Music and thank you Newham Youth Orchestra..
Richard Batty
Bury Cambridgeshire
11 August 2014
My very happy memories of Newham Academy, both the time spent there and the building are in my thoughts daily. Now as a professional musician and teacher I think of those formative years with great fondness. I often refer to my experiences within the teaching context of my own students. The teaching I received was often excellent, as was the experience of growing up with like-minded people, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
It is perhaps hard in today’s modern world to see what affection one could have for an intimidating Victorian/Edwardian designed educational institute that today would be condemned as unfit for purpose, but in fact the building was as important to me as the education I received within it. It was difficult if not impossible for me to practice at home (My family situation did not allow for that) and thus the Academy became my favourite place becoming my practice room as well as a meeting place for friends. The tile-lined stairwells, and the vast glazed upper parts which formed the construction of many of the cavernous rooms and allowed borrowed light to fill the corridors still evoke happiness to me. I remember practicing there until I was thrown out at closing time! I have memory of mounting that vast stone staircase outside, through the oak doors with shiny brass handles into the entrance hall with its ‘who is in and who is out’ name board with sliding shutters to tell us which teachers were present at the time. On the right was the office with the welcoming face of Pat the secretary who was always nice to me. Behind that the staff room, the hallowed sanctuary where the teachers could escape the babble and froth of the students. The tuck shop on Saturday morning was also a firm favourite, as were the parents who regularly gave up their Saturday mornings to serve us there.
My teachers were a mixed bunch, some great and others well, not so great. Each taught me something though, if even that was not how to teach! I remember I had a new trumpet teacher on one occasion. I was at an arrogant time of life when trumpet players were the kings, and cornet players were therefore not. When I arrived in anticipation of meeting my new teacher my heart sank as far as it could. He was wearing a Salvation Army Uniform which meant he was a brass band player and therefore a CORNET player. I was soon to be put right though, as his playing was amazing, he being principal cornet with The Sally Army's No1 Band. I remember this lovely man’s first name was Bramwell, and his crowning glory was that he saw me as a broken, angry young man before him who was feeling the difficulties and vulnerabilities of a family break up, trying unsuccessfully to live with my mother and her new man in our grandparents house which was overcrowded (not to be recommended) and he listened. I learned much about life, and that helped to heal the hurt and anger, and we learned some trumpet also!
To be able play in the Newham Youth Orchestra for me was, and still is the most amazing honour. I regarded it as one of the finest Youth orchestras in the country at the time, which is a bold claim to make for a very poor borough such as Newham. The vision of both Michael Toll and Edward Parker was truly inspirational and so many of us from that era owe them both and the staff a great debt of gratitude. To play in some of the finest concert halls of our nation was beyond my wildest dreams. I could also wax lyrical about Junior brass band and other ensembles that were so enveloping, but alas dear reader I feel I may take too much of your patience.
I am genuinely humbled and happy to say that the Academy shaped me musically and to a large extent personally into the person I am today, and for that I am truly grateful. I just hope I can pass to my audiences and students some of that training, life experience and understanding to do the same for some of them.
One of the great landmarks of my life - thank you Newham Academy of Music and thank you Newham Youth Orchestra..
Richard Batty
Bury Cambridgeshire
11 August 2014
Margaret Elsom
I recently thought about my time in Newham Youth Choir.
I am constantly surprised about the large choral works we did with the Adult Choir.
When I was in the youth choir, it was meant to compulsory. It was fortunate however that the people who did turn up made up for the ones who used to have a lie in and turn up in time for sectional.
The register was sign in, i.e. you never knew who was going to turn up. As a result the following were listed as attending from time to time: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Napoleon, Nelson (I see not ships), etc.
When we sang the Chichester Psalms Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and then Goofy made an appearance not just on the register but as part of the rehearsal! Chichester Psalms was in Hebrew, so 2 of my brothers, bless them decided that instead of singing Yaga ramssu, Yama ramasu goyim, Yaga ramssu, Yama ramasu goyim, Yaga ramssu, Yaga ramssu, they sang: Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck.
I do not know if they sang the alternative version in a concert but with those 2 anything was possible.
My apologies to people who speak and write Hebrew but what I wrote above is my memory of what we sang.
28 September 2014
Ann McKnight (nee Halls)
I started cello lessons aged 9 (1965) with Mr Roskelly and continued lessons until I left school at 16. I also took piano and theory lessons.
I have such fond memories of the Academy and my peers, some of whom I am still in contact with. Lifetime friendships made in, as I recall a very happy place.
So many memories. Saturday mornings spent playing with the orchestra and the "Tuck Shop". Getting on the 147 bus afterwards with my cello. The Youth Orchestra trip to Denmark with the where I experienced my first encounter with alcohol (Schnappes) and the dreaded "White Boxes". The courses at Maria Grey College and the absolute privilege of being conducted by Sir Adrian Bolt. "Newham Goes to Town" at the Royal Festival Hall, performing Sir Patrick Spens ...... Pat Innes (nee Cork) and I can still wail in tune as we did on that day.
I was taught so well that at age 46, I started playing the Euphonium with a local brass band having never played brass before in my life. All the basics and theory I had learnt at the Academy were still in my, by now middle aged brain. I even performed with my band at the National Brass Band 2nd Section Championship Finals in Harrogate aged 53.
I now have a lifetime love of music of all genres instilled in me by the Newham Academy of Music, Mr William Roskelly, Mr Edward Parker and others. I have been able to pass on that interest in, and love of music, onto my children. I always encouraged and supported them and both play brass instruments. My son has made a career in music. He plays the tuba, teaches, conducts and composes.
I consider myself very privileged to have had the opportunity given to me by the Academy.
Thank you.
Ann McKnight (nee Halls)
Tywardreath, Cornwall
November 2016
I recently thought about my time in Newham Youth Choir.
I am constantly surprised about the large choral works we did with the Adult Choir.
When I was in the youth choir, it was meant to compulsory. It was fortunate however that the people who did turn up made up for the ones who used to have a lie in and turn up in time for sectional.
The register was sign in, i.e. you never knew who was going to turn up. As a result the following were listed as attending from time to time: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Napoleon, Nelson (I see not ships), etc.
When we sang the Chichester Psalms Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and then Goofy made an appearance not just on the register but as part of the rehearsal! Chichester Psalms was in Hebrew, so 2 of my brothers, bless them decided that instead of singing Yaga ramssu, Yama ramasu goyim, Yaga ramssu, Yama ramasu goyim, Yaga ramssu, Yaga ramssu, they sang: Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck.
I do not know if they sang the alternative version in a concert but with those 2 anything was possible.
My apologies to people who speak and write Hebrew but what I wrote above is my memory of what we sang.
28 September 2014
Ann McKnight (nee Halls)
I started cello lessons aged 9 (1965) with Mr Roskelly and continued lessons until I left school at 16. I also took piano and theory lessons.
I have such fond memories of the Academy and my peers, some of whom I am still in contact with. Lifetime friendships made in, as I recall a very happy place.
So many memories. Saturday mornings spent playing with the orchestra and the "Tuck Shop". Getting on the 147 bus afterwards with my cello. The Youth Orchestra trip to Denmark with the where I experienced my first encounter with alcohol (Schnappes) and the dreaded "White Boxes". The courses at Maria Grey College and the absolute privilege of being conducted by Sir Adrian Bolt. "Newham Goes to Town" at the Royal Festival Hall, performing Sir Patrick Spens ...... Pat Innes (nee Cork) and I can still wail in tune as we did on that day.
I was taught so well that at age 46, I started playing the Euphonium with a local brass band having never played brass before in my life. All the basics and theory I had learnt at the Academy were still in my, by now middle aged brain. I even performed with my band at the National Brass Band 2nd Section Championship Finals in Harrogate aged 53.
I now have a lifetime love of music of all genres instilled in me by the Newham Academy of Music, Mr William Roskelly, Mr Edward Parker and others. I have been able to pass on that interest in, and love of music, onto my children. I always encouraged and supported them and both play brass instruments. My son has made a career in music. He plays the tuba, teaches, conducts and composes.
I consider myself very privileged to have had the opportunity given to me by the Academy.
Thank you.
Ann McKnight (nee Halls)
Tywardreath, Cornwall
November 2016
Darren Page
I used to study the flute at the Newham Academy of Music, from around 1981-1984. My flute teacher was Chris Harrison. I was in the Junior Wind Orchestra, with Mr Colledge. I also studied the recorder with Mr Munns (I seen to recollect that was his name).
We performed at the "Newham Goes to Town" concert at the Royal Albert Hall, on Tuesday 10th April 1984, where I played flute as part of the Junior Wind Orchestra. I still have the full programme (20 pages, A4 size), and also a cassette recording of the entire 1984 concert, which I since digitized onto CD.
February 2018
I used to study the flute at the Newham Academy of Music, from around 1981-1984. My flute teacher was Chris Harrison. I was in the Junior Wind Orchestra, with Mr Colledge. I also studied the recorder with Mr Munns (I seen to recollect that was his name).
We performed at the "Newham Goes to Town" concert at the Royal Albert Hall, on Tuesday 10th April 1984, where I played flute as part of the Junior Wind Orchestra. I still have the full programme (20 pages, A4 size), and also a cassette recording of the entire 1984 concert, which I since digitized onto CD.
February 2018
Stephen Want
I have enjoyed looking at the Newham Youth Orchestra Memories website, and a few days ago also joined the Facebook group.
Just to put things into context, I had piano lessons with Edward Parker for three years from 1970, then after his retirement, continued piano and also organ with David Williams. As there was an apparent shortage of horn players at the Academy in 1973, another boy from my school and I were persuaded to take up the French horn by Chris Harrison. I started horn lessons with Edmund Coddling, and after he left I was taught by Richard Mitchell, who was also responsible for the Opera Workshop. I worked through membership of the Wind Orchestra, and eventually progressed to the Youth Orchestra, leaving it when I left school in 1976.
I loved my years of music making at the Newham Academy, and look back on them, and the inspirational musicians who taught there, with great affection and enormous gratitude.
Keep up the great work on the website: it really is a rich store of very precious memories which deserve to be recorded for posterity.
With all good wishes,
Stephen Want
16 January 2021
I have enjoyed looking at the Newham Youth Orchestra Memories website, and a few days ago also joined the Facebook group.
Just to put things into context, I had piano lessons with Edward Parker for three years from 1970, then after his retirement, continued piano and also organ with David Williams. As there was an apparent shortage of horn players at the Academy in 1973, another boy from my school and I were persuaded to take up the French horn by Chris Harrison. I started horn lessons with Edmund Coddling, and after he left I was taught by Richard Mitchell, who was also responsible for the Opera Workshop. I worked through membership of the Wind Orchestra, and eventually progressed to the Youth Orchestra, leaving it when I left school in 1976.
I loved my years of music making at the Newham Academy, and look back on them, and the inspirational musicians who taught there, with great affection and enormous gratitude.
Keep up the great work on the website: it really is a rich store of very precious memories which deserve to be recorded for posterity.
With all good wishes,
Stephen Want
16 January 2021