Xaverian Music students put on an impressive show to round off the year at the Royal Northern College of Music in December. The concert was a familiar mix of traditional and modern music styles and included impressive performances of Christmas classics from the brass band with ‘A Christmas Cocktail’, the chamber choir with ‘Underneath the Tree’ and the orchestra with ‘Sleigh Ride’.
Xaverian Alumni from the class of 2022, Lydia-Faith Smith, has performed and compèred at previous RNCM concerts and so enjoyed her time as a Xaverian student that she is now working with the Music Department as a Music Mentor. Lydia said: “I was so inspired by the Mentors we had in the year above me, and I thought it looked like a great opportunity, that I spoke to the Music Department and the rest just fell into place. My role is to organise lunchtime concerts, help the students if they have extra questions about the A Level course, prepare and transpose parts for ensembles and I even get to run my own gospel choir, which is very fulfilling as the choir performed ‘O Come All You Unfaithful’ in the lead up to Christmas.”
Former student of Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Lydia-Faith studied A Levels in English Language, Music and Psychology at Xaverian, and commented: “The environment just seemed so friendly and supportive, and the Music Department especially attracted me as it was very vibrant, it quickly became a no-brainer to be a part of the Xaverian community. I really liked all my subjects but Music was my favourite by far. I spent most of my week in the music rooms and being in the choir and soul band were my favourite extracurricular activities.
“I’m going to continue with my interest in music and I’m all set to go to University of Leeds to study a Degree in Music and Music Psychology later this year. Ultimately, I’d like to be a Music Therapist as I feel like it’s the best blend of my massive passion for music and my dream to help people improve their lives. I want to see where that takes me, but I’m not planning too heavily at this stage in my life!”
If you’re passionate about Music, Xaverian offers an A Level in Music for those interested in Performance or a BTEC Advanced in Music Technology. Music is also offered as a enrichment option for those who to improve their skills alongside studying other subjects.
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses.
