Introducing Mr Morgan
The staff team makes the school and at Elmhurst we are blessed with a talented and committed staff team – from our hardworking office and nursery staff to our experienced teaching team – they are a joy to work with.
As the Head, I am lucky enough to see the staff in action regularly but when a new member of staff joins, it can take a while for parents to see their brilliance. This week, I thought I would take the time to share some insights into our new Music Lead, Mr Ryan Morgan. I sat down with Mr Morgan and our Head Boys, Dhruv and Aarav to interview him. Here’s what we found out.
When did you first start to like music?
I was in year 2 when I first played keyboard. I had lessons each week for twenty minutes and I thought I liked piano but, over the next few years, I discovered that it was actually music I loved- not just the piano.
What other instruments do you play?
The second instrument I have is my voice – I was always a singer – and then in secondary school I took up the Viola and the soprano saxophone. By secondary school, I knew I loved making my own music so chose these instruments so I could join the orchestra as I enjoyed playing with others.
Did you enjoy school when you were a child?
I did – school was my favourite thing. My friends were there and my teachers were really fun.
What was your favourite subject and why?
Not music! Science was my favourite until I went to university – I like discovering new things and how the world works. When I was at school I loved watching a TV programme called Backyard Science, I was obsessed with it! I even did a GCSE science paper in primary school.
Tell us about a really memorable experience in your life
First time I sang in Royal Albert Hall I was in primary school, and its probably why I am a musician. We were there with multiple schools and it was a joyous moment. It’s one reason I am passionate about ensuring Elmhurst children have similar opportunities.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of school?
I have lots of interests and at the moment I am really interested in Maths, finding out through documentaries things I understand at school! At university I also took up Gymnastics – entering and winning some beginner competitions and that is still a hobby I enjoy. I like doing a cartwheel!
Have you performed in any concerts or bands?
I write a lot of music for big concert halls. I conduct a lot and lead lots of choirs, recently one was at the Barbican conducting schools.
Can we listen to the music you make?
On Sunday 19th October some of my music is being performed at the Fairfield Halls by the London Mozart Players. It is about the life of Croydon based composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. You can find out more here.
