Polly adds to her string of successes on the violin

Congratulations to Hereford Cathedral School Year 11 pupil Polly T, who has achieved the ATCL Violin Diploma. This is an extraordinary accomplishment for the 16-year-old, since the exam is normally taken in the first year of music college. 

Polly had to learn 30-40 minutes of music for the performance diploma, in addition to preparing programme notes. It took over a year for her to prepare for the diploma, involving lots of extra practice to build up stamina to maintain a high level of concentration for such a long time.

“I do quite a lot of practice anyway, but the last month before [the diploma] I really upped the practice to try to get the really tricky bits nailed,” she explained.

Polly is sitting her GCSEs this summer, and further ahead, she hopes to pursue a career in music or musical theatre. Back in January, Polly played the comical role of Widow Corney to great effect in Hereford Cathedral School’s production of Oliver! at The Courtyard. She also played the title role in the HCS production of Fiddler on the Roof in 2016.

HCS Director of Music Mr David Evans commented: “We are naturally delighted at Polly's very significant achievement as she joins the increasing number of students in the Music School who have attained Diploma level. Hopefully Polly will go on to achieve further Diplomas as she enters the Sixth Form here next year - watch this space. Well done, Polly!”