Queen’s College pupil, Natalie Too, has gained a distinction on the cello in the Trinity College Advanced Performance Certificate. An examination which takes place post Grade 8, the Certificate is designed for candidates who want to consolidate their performance skills at advanced level and is designed for those who may like to follow a professional career in music and the performing arts.
Natalie started preparing for the examination a year before the exam with her teacher, Audrey Gullick, selecting a range of pieces to highlight her ability to play musical genres from various backgrounds ranging from the Romantic Period to early 20th century music. Her choices included François Couperin’s Pièces en Concert Instrument, Johannes Brahms Sonata for Piano and Violoncello in E minor Op. 38 1st Movement, Alexander Glazunow, Chant Du Menestrel and Gaspar Cassado, Requiebros. In addition to learning the pieces, Natalie had to prepare a programme note for the examiners prior to the exam.
Said Natalie: “I personally don’t enjoy music examinations as I often feel very constricted in terms of the pieces I am allowed to choose and play and they can become monotonous. However this year’s repertoire consisted of a broad range of pieces that I have always aspired to learn and perform as well as giving me an extra qualification should I want to teach cello in the future.
“I studied for this qualification” she continued “because I enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of conquering pieces I never thought I could possibly learn as a child. I thoroughly enjoyed preparing for it and feel that not only have I improved my musical technique but the very idea of learning pieces from different eras has expanded my knowledge and horizons musically.
Said Queen’s College Headmaster, Chris Alcock: “This is an outstanding achievement for any instrumentalist whilst still at school. Natalie has contributed immeasurably to the musical life here at Queen’s College and has also been really encouraging to the younger players. We have a very strong contingent of cellists at Queen’s currently. This school has an excellent reputation in music and the performing arts and we really try to stretch our pupils and encourage them to be the best they can be, giving them as many opportunities as possible to excel”.
Natalie, who is currently in Year 13 at Queen’s College is going on to Bath University next September to study Politics. Whilst at Queen’s College she has been a member of the Swing Band, the Wind Band, Chamber Orchestra, First Orchestra, Cello Group and College Choir and, in addition to the cello, also plays double bass.