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ONE of the organisers of this year’s Young Musicians of the Gulf (YMoG) knows exactly how the competitors will feel under the spotlight and in front of the gaze of austere judges … she once competed in it herself playing the flute!
The new Head of Music of St Christopher’s School, Faye Hill was a competitor in 2006 when she attended Jumeirah College sixth form and appreciates the pressure the young performers will be under as they play their hearts out for glory.
Participants from 15 schools across the Gulf region will be visiting Bahrain for three days of musical competition. The event will culminate in a high-profile grand final where the best musicians compete for the title of Young Musician of the Gulf in front of a VIP audience at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
“I was 17 at the time, in my last year of school,” said Faye, now 25. “I had just been accepted for my music course at university. I was incredibly nervous about the event – I didn’t really like performing as a soloist! I entered as a vocal group too and we won the ensemble category which was fantastic!
“I believe it helps to see the event from the participants’ point of view – especially the notion of travelling to a different place and staying with host families to take part in a prestigious event – it can be quite nerve-wracking.
“My advice: stay calm and enjoy yourself! Competitions such as YMoG are an opportunity for musicians to interact with each other and put into practice the skills learnt during their tuition. From a non-musical aspect it is a fantastic chance for the students and staff to mingle and experience different social situations.”
Like many expat children, Faye moved away from the UK as a child after her father, Richard, an oil industry executive, took a position overseas. She spent two years in Dubai and before that was living in Malaysia.
She attended the UK’s Kingston University for her Undergraduate studies and then Goldsmiths, University of London, for her PGCE Postgraduate.
She completed her first year of teaching in a tough inner city London school in Tower Hamlets and from there expanded her experience working with challenging children in a behavioural specialist unit in Devon for two years. “It was fantastic to see the positive effects music can have on troubled youths,” she added. “When I was younger I wanted to be a weather girl! However, when I met my A Level music teacher I was inspired to become a teacher myself.
“It’s incredibly rewarding and there are so many opportunities to change lives and make a difference.”
Music can also play a rewarding role for the high-achievers at St Christopher’s senior school, and Miss Hill is revelling in the experience of leading its musical youth.
“I knew I wanted to live and work abroad, but didn’t think I would have the opportunity to work for St Chris and organise YMoG,” she said. “I am absolutely loving being back in the Middle East. I love my job and I have met some amazing people here already that I will hopefully know forever. It is so nice to wake up to sunshine every day; it automatically puts me in a good mood.
“I have many plans for the incredible musicians here at St Christopher’s. The students are so talented and enthusiastic that pretty much anything is achievable.
“I played the flute from the age of six until I was about 21 – sadly my flute got stolen so that put an end to it – hopefully I’ll pick it back up again now that I work in the same department as an amazing flute teacher!”
And it appears you never stop learning, even if you are a head of a subject. “I play the guitar and sing mostly during classroom music, however I am in the process of learning the piano again – I hope to get to Grade 5 standard next year,” said Miss Hill. “I‘m not afraid to jump on a drum kit or pick up a bass guitar – my dream would be to learn the cello.”
* St Christopher’s School will host YMoG on January 28 – 30. Contact Nadia Al-Aali, marketing and sponsorship officer, on 17598499, or Samantha Bicknell, marketing and operations support manager, on 1759848, for more details.
Grand Final tickets are now available, pre-sale BD3 and on the night BD5.
