Page 379 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

Kirsten Goldthorp, PCYM Centre Manager:

“It’s a chance to meet people who share that love of music, rather than just those who happen to
be at your local school. That means people from different backgrounds, different cultures, and with
different musical interests. I know students who have met up in the school holidays to make music
together and attend festivals together, so it definitely creates lasting bonds and friendships. There’s
also good research to show that children who learn music properly will gain a year in their
academic studies compared to those who don’t. There are wellbeing benefits, too, with singing
releasing endorphins which gives students not only enjoyment but focused downtime, so they’re
not simply stressing over exams.”

Martin Bright, composer and PCYM teacher:

“One of the things that Kirsten Goldthorp has done at PCYM is that she has staffed it with
professional players who have a wide range of experience and skills, so the students are working
with real musicians. I think that’s a really big benefit, and perhaps one of the reasons why it’s
picking up so well. The way we work, is fun. But it’s also a proper professional style environment,
so they get to see the way it is for real. And it’s the little things, sometimes. In a professional
rehearsal environment, if somebody is being directed and the others aren’t being asked to play,
they’re not talking or playing their instruments, they’re sitting quietly listening. And we do that too.
We run it the same way with the little ones as you would with a professional orchestra. It’s about

expectations, and because we hone them at that early age they see how it really is. And there are
so many personal skills that music – and ensemble playing especially – contributes to. I can
certainly see how the members of my ensembles have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of
social skills, as well as musical skills. They make new friends with common interests outside of
school. But giving them that additional musical experience on a Saturday will bring them on in
school as well.”