ST. CUTHBERT'S SOCIETY - MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE (2018)
I had the pleasure of returning to my alma mater in January 2018 for six months and 'Musician in Residence', living in the 'Fellows' Flat' in 12, South Bailey, the home of St. Cuthbert's Society. During my tenure I worked with college officers and students to formulate a strategy for musical excellence in college as well as developing events and opportunities for students from college and across the wider university. This was an extremely successful period of development in the college, and I was able to guide and develop the work that staff and students did together so that we were able to put on some excellent showcase events during my tenure. These included a visit and performance by the College Choir at HMP Durham for prisoners and a gala jazz concert evening where the Big Band & College Choir performed Duke Ellington - Sacred Concert Suite. Other events included a solo performance by myself and other Durham alumni at Van Mildert College's 'Dimensions' series, giving a performance of chamber music from The Great War for oboe, piano and voice; a Cathedral Evensong given by the College Choir; masterclasses and workshops for students; working to design and deliver the inaugural 'Cuth's Week' of cultural and sporting events & working with external partners and stakeholders to deliver professional development opportunities for students (including building a partnership with English Touring Opera for students interested in stage arts, particularly opera).
I am lucky that this work which began in 2018 is continuing as part of my ongoing relationship with college. In the next year we are looking to broaden the opportunities for students by implementing a regular series of events in HMP Durham for students across the university, and more widely in the local community as well a providing more internal and external performance and showcase opportunities for students focused on culture in their co-curricular activities. I continue to be a 'Career Angel' for students at college as well as offering informal one to one support and mentoring. I also provide vocal & conducting teaching to students as required.
To find out more about what is going on at Cuth's, then please do have a look at the Cuthbert's Chronicle (which is our six monthly magazine, covering all the activity in college) in addition to news on the university and JCR website's.
