Pianist Chantelle Verdad, 14, has been playing the keyboard since the age of four before moving onto piano two years later, and has been supported for all her musical ambition since she started at Springwood High School.

The Year 10 pupil also plays the violin, which she started at the age of 11 and is a member of the Senior Cantabene choir at our school.

“Throughout my musical journey at Springwood, it has developed my passion for music as the school has endless opportunities in the music department and strongly encourages and persuades students to get involved,” she said.

With a piano Grade 6 exam looming, and a Grade 5 merit achieved on the violin, Chantelle has also recently taken part in a competition for young musicians organised by the Rotary Club of  King’s Lynn.

“Competitions are important as it gathers a community with the same passions and gives you a chance to go out and express yourself. 

“Performing in front of judges can be stressful, making you anxious because they analyse and assess your performance,”she said.

Conquering her nerves by remembering that she has performed with confidence, Chantelle believes performances should be fun and enjoyable and credits the support she receives for helping her to achieve her best.

It has also been the musical ethos of Springwood High that has helped her progress and achieve musical success.

“I believe it is one of the best schools in Norfolk to learn about music, as when you start you have lessons in music, which includes learning the history of certain music and singing group songs.

“If you want to go further in Year 10, you can do music GCSE or A Level music or music technology, so there is lots of provision. If people decided to start their individual instrument lessons in Year 7, it’s a great opportunity, being taught by professional teachers who have a clear interest in their specific instruments. The school offers a wide range of different instruments, including strings, woodwind, brass and percussion.”

With an hour’s practice every day, Chantelle doesn’t really have time for another instrument, but says she would play the flute, although she is happy concentrating on piano, violin and singing.

Her favourite genre of music to play comes from the romantic period of the 19th Century, or modern pieces and she listens to pop, rap, hip-hop and rhythm and blues.

Chantelle is considering a future career as a professional musician but is currently concentrating on her next performance at the school’s Christmas Carol service at St Nicholas Chapel on December 6.