The Duchess of Kent ... and a Primary School Music Teacher
Too many years ago to remember, I was lucky enough to sing at the Royal Festival Hall in London with
the wonderful Bach Choir. We all felt very special, it was such an amazing thing to do.
(Thank you Miss Halden.)
One of the members of the choir was the Duchess of Kent, who to me as a 16 year old girl, was like a
princess. We were told not to stare, or make a fuss, she was just like everyone else. The magical
experience has stayed with me and has become a treasured memory.
Today I read the article below, from The Hull Daily Mail. If anyone needs to be inspired, please read on ...
Royal Duchess Leads Double Life as Hull Primary School Teacher
After a visit to a primary school in Hull in 1996, The Duchess of Kent offered to help boost the
school's arts teaching.
The Duchess said:
"I've studied music all my life, it's my passion ... My other passion is children - being able to
share and pass on your love of music to children is the greatest privilege a teacher can have."
The school’s response:
"She is an inspirational music teacher and the children love working with her. They say she
never gets cross, she always looks for the positive ... I believe that because they are so fond
of her, they have done well in music."
Simply inspirational.
To read the full article, please click here:
https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/royal-duchess-led-secret-double-5032216?fbclid=IwAR0OkkqhdSeKlmoUb-TFovd7wqisW4Iqr31GwC8TjVxn_feDRhFAEogt9ss
Future Talent
In 2004, the Duchess of Kent set up a charity, Future Talent, which aims to nurture musically talented
children at primary school level.
The charity states:
“we break down barriers, create opportunities and harness the power of music to transform the
lives of young musicians across the UK ... we want to achieve an equal reality where all gifted
young musicians from low-income backgrounds flourish."
The charity's programmes offer unique opportunities for young musicians to build confidence, develop
personal skills, and enhance their musical experience.
Their core is in the evolution of the young lives we affect; inspiring examples of musical talent and
life development.
To find out more about the charity, please click here:
https://www.futuretalent.org
Have a great day.
Helen 
Helen Sumner Music March 2021
Summer Term 2025
Fun, Inspiring (and often quite loud!) Music Lessons for Primary Schools and Home School Hubs
Specialising in:
- Primary Music Curriculum provision
- Whole Class Instrumental teaching
- Includes free use of instruments!
07941 282311
In association with
Little Strummers
"I found it very interesting and I thought that children learned about rhythm, by using body percussion without even realising that they were in a lesson, because it was so much fun for them!"
"I would highly recommend it!"
"I thought the song was lovely - there was a nice mix of playing the bowls, clapping, singing and actions. The whole idea of kitchen percussion is a brilliant one for lockdown but good in usual times too."
"The level of what you did/taught was perfect for their age and similar to things they do at school."
"The children all thoroughly enjoyed the session and were engaged throughout. They enjoyed having the opportunity to hold their own ukulele and learn to play along to some simple songs."
"The session was delivered brilliantly and the different stages were broken down into small sections to allow all children to participate."