The Chronicle, Autumn 2018

30 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Teddies People Interview by Shell Patrick Maxwell

you’re going to get from the congregation. In a school, we are pushing for a good, lusty and well-rounded sound. My role is to inspire people to sing well and strongly and to get them involved in the service. Singing is a great cajoler of inspiration and I’m trying to help that. The Music School has been fantastic. I was really pleased to see it grow, and it’s made a tremendous difference to rehearsals, with brilliant spaces – rather different to what we had before. Having an inspiring building helps encourage great musicianship, but you still have to work hard to achieve it! If the Warden were in a bad mood, and only allowed you to play one composer, who would it be? It’s a tricky question; there is a great deal of beautiful music written for the organ. If I had to, I would go for JS Bach. His music is a sum of all that came before him, and also a vision for the future. What is the most rewarding thing about playing in Chapel for you personally? I think in Chapel I am aiming to add to the beauty of the liturgy. I try to create a soundtrack to school life, reflecting the different seasons of the church year. The Chapel, especially with the Quad Development being built, is at the centre of the daily routine and I try to add to the sense of community and belonging. What do you think of the new Music School?

Gabriele Damiani

What do you do? I’m the School Organist, which involves accompanying all Chapel services, the school choirs and the choral society. I also have a busy schedule teaching within the Music Department.

March when the Warden walks into Chapel. I’ve done all sorts of naughty things. They’re always noticed! Coming originally from Italy, what differences do you see in the musical scene here? They are very different. In England we have a great church music tradition that has been followed for hundreds of years, with many opportunities for organists. Unfortunately that is not available as much in Italy, in spite of the wonderful music tradition there. This was a major factor in pulling me towards the UK. What did you do before you came here? I was the Organ Scholar at Westminster Cathedral, playing the organ for services and training the younger members of the choir. It was great for improving my ability to play and work in a team. What’s the difference between playing in a cathedral and in a school? I try to approach them the same way, but I think the response I’m expecting is different. In a cathedral you can’t predict what sound

How long have you been at St Edward’s?

Oh, I knew that one would come up! I’ve been at Teddies since 2003, so 15 years now.

What is it about St Edward’s that has kept you here for so long? It’s a wonderful place. I like that every year is new and I can improve myself and teach a different group of pupils. This School is not afraid of seeing how it can improve, and many developments have taken place over my time here. Everything is always moving forwards, which has convinced me that it’s a good place and one I want to move with. What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done, apart from playing Stockhausen? I haven’t played any Stockhausen! I’ve played the Match of the Day theme and the Imperial

Patrick Maxwell