“I aim to run a music school which can assert itself amongst the most prominent” – those are the words of Trent College’s new Director of Music, Steven Henderson, as he prepares to join the Nottingham independent school next term.
Mr Henderson’s arrival at Trent College underlines the school’s commitment to developing its existing musical facilities while ensuring that music – both curricular and outside of the classroom – continues to form a core part of the Trent College whole school ethos.
A former professional chorister, who read music at Goldsmiths’ College, London, and received vocal tuition from Nigel Beavan at St Paul’s Cathedral, Mr Henderson has spent the past six years leading a music revolution at Cokethorpe School in Oxfordshire. This has included extending current, and introducing new, choirs, bands, orchestras and other ensembles plus substantially increasing the number of individuals learning instruments.
However, having fulfilled his aims of pulling music from a standing start to being on a par with sport in terms of prominence and reputation at Cokethorpe, now he is relishing the chance to take music at Trent College to another level.
He said: “I aim to run a music school which can assert itself amongst the most prominent and am encouraged that Trent College has similarly high aspirations for music. The school’s stated commitment to the development of its music facilities is eye-catching, but building an ethos and commitment amongst students, staff and the wider community is just as important as developing material facilities. This ethos and commitment refreshingly already appears to sit at the heart of everyday Trent College life.
“Education should advance young people who are independent yet dependable; adaptable in a changing future yet rooted in strong values; intellectually fulfilled yet with an appetite to continue to learn. The experience and understanding of music is a gift with which all pupils and staff should be imbued. The essence of my role as Director of Music is to inspire the highest standards of musicianship whilst maintaining the imaginative spirit of all.”
Gill Dixon, Head of Trent College, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steven to Trent College. As well as being a strong leader, a capable musician and an inspiring teacher, the Director of Music at Trent College should be more than the sum of these parts. Steven offers passion and compassion, rigour and imagination, and energy and experience and his appointment promises to signal a very exciting period for music at our school.”
Before becoming a teacher, Mr Henderson worked for the management of London Mozart Players professional orchestra and renowned music publishers Stainer and Bell, whilst also singing professionally in London, composing and playing the organ. His compositions include choral, chamber and theatre music. His hymn tunes are published by Stainer and Bell.
For more information about music and other opportunities at Trent College visit www.trentcollege.net.