Music does something to many young people that makes them completely unrecognisable to who they are when they’re not in music. Music awakens and releases something that can only come from music. That something, more often than not, is the real child. Music reveals the real child.

I would go there for music. I would go there for friends. I would go there for advice. I would go there to share good news. I would go there to help. I would go there to create. I would go there to feel good. I would always go to the Music Department, because it was my sanctuary.

Performing music with others is euphoric. The nerves, the adrenaline, the culmination of months of rehearsals, the connection and focus, the anticipation of the first note, the release of the last note, the joy and happiness of the applause, and everything in between. Brilliant.

Every school needs a thriving Music Department. The pupils need it, the teachers need it, the parents need it, and the community needs it. A thriving Music Department means a thriving school, a connected school, and a happy school. Music should be at the heart of every school.