Southwark Music Service Scholar of the Month
Iris from Southwark Music Service is our November Scholar of the 11 year old Iris from Southwark has had a great few years of her Scholarship so far and has made excellent progress. Earlier this year Iris took her Grade 3 exam which she passed with distinction. She is always practising and has a very good ear for melodies and rhythms. Iris enjoys performing and plays in Southwark Music Service's wind ensembles and recently performed a flamenco jazz song called 'El Faro' which her teacher said was fantastic. Here at the London Music Fund we are incredibly proud of how hard Iris works and are delighted to hear that she is currently working towards Grade 5.
Iris's Music Service Mentor told us: "Iris continues to show an insatiable desire to learn and takes every opportunity to progress. Out of school she continues to attend concerts, and courses. She is the model of what I believe a scholar should be!"
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Iris at our Playing Day in 2017
Read our Q&A with Iris below...
Why did you decide to play the flute?
When I was 6 or 7 I went to see a Puppet Show and there was a lady in the group playing a flute. It was such a beautiful sound I just really wanted to have a go.
Has your music taken you to some cool places? If so, where?
My flute has taken me to the London Music Fund and I recently passed a music audition to get into a secondary school. I have played at the South Bank with Southwark Youth Orchestra, been to the Mayor's Offices and Kings Place in Kings Cross. I have also met Chi-chi Nwanoku who founded the Chineke! Orchestra.
What music do you like playing the most?
Inspired by Rachel my flute teacher, my favourite genre of music just has to be music from Brazil or Spain. It is so lively and energetic. The songs describe me as a fun and energetic person. The way I play music shows everyone my personality.
If you could perform alongside someone famous who would it be? Or what musician do you look up to?
I don't play music by the same composer every time. I go all out and find new pieces to try. In my eyes I would look up to Edvard Grieg as I love playing In the Hall of the Mountain King. I like the way he makes his pieces sly.
Has the Scholarship enabled you to have new opportunities?
I have had so many opportunities since my first flute teacher Katrina nominated me for the London Music Fund. I was in an ABRSM orchestra, I played with Southwark Youth Orchestra at the South Bank, at Kings Place and at the Mayors Office. I am also very grateful to receive tickets to see various professional orchestras.
What advice would you give scholars who have just started their scholarship?
My advice to new scholars would be if you practise hard enough you will soar through the sky and will reach your goals no matter what it takes.
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Iris at our Awards Day 2016