Page 37 - Millfield 20 Stories

No. 17
OPENING NIGHT

“The performance was Music and performance go hand-in-hand
everything I wanted it to at Millfield. With orchestras, bands, choirs
and instrumental ensembles, there are
be. And the applause at lots of opportunities for pupils to put
the end told me it was themselves centre stage.
everything the audience “As a Millfield pupil I have developed
wanted it to be.” an incredible knowledge of music along
with greater confidence and a passion
for everything I do in the department,”
A hush descends. The Johnson Hall is India adds. “The wonderful music staff
packed to its 350 capacity. And India, a constantly support me – without them, I
Millfield music scholar, steps onto the would not be the musician I am today.”
balcony for her solo.
Together with her music teacher, India is
“Since Year 9 I’d been performing solos – currently preparing her repertoire for an
albeit to a smaller audience. In Year 10 audition to the National Youth Music
I was given the opportunity to perform Theatre. And, after a standing ovation in
in front of a full audience in the the Johnson Hall, she knows she has what
Johnson Hall,” says India. it takes to perform under pressure.

“Nerves had always affected my singing,
making me slightly hesitant about
performing alone in public. But this was
an incredibly exhilarating experience.”