Music Service Ambassador
We have great delight to announce that our first Music Service Ambassador is Miss Brioni Crowe.
Having started playing the flute at Anchorsholme Primary School at the age of eight, she quickly moved up the ranks to become the Youth Concert Band’s lead flautist. She then joined the RNCM youth Orchestra and then into some of the UK’s most prestigious orchestras in the UK including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, with which she performed at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. She performed for HM Elizabeth II and members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace. And, despite all this she has still found time to teach privately while attending the world renowned Royal College of Music in London.
For her dedication and beautiful performances she has been awarded with multiple scholarships, the Rob George Award, was named a “Classical Star of the Future” by Classical FM, and was a finalist in the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestral Flute Competition. As one of four of the UK’s National Music Ambassadors we are delighted that she has accepted this new position and look forward to seeing her in some of our future performances.
- How old were you when you first became interested in music?
Gosh, well for as long as I can remember. My brother Zac got a keyboard for his 4th birthday and I clearly remember being cross that it was his! I had to wait my turn to play on it, I was 3 at the time but loved to have a go, I was just annoyed I had to share it! Zac was able to go and have lessons, I just looked at his worksheets and picked up some things by copying him. Music to me was always like a secret code, I loved the way you could write words within the music, I thought I had my own secret way of communicating.
- Who have been your role models and why?
One of my biggest role models is actually a close friend of mine. The saxophonist, Jess Gilliam.. she is incredible. Not just as an artist, musically she is phenomenal, but as I have grown up along side her whilst attending the RNCM, she was a student just a year above me, her hard work and determination has shown me that amazing things can happen if you follow your dreams and work hard. Amazing opportunities are out there for people just like you and me. I always thought they happened to superstars only. Following Jess, watching her chase her dreams and make them become a reality, she is incredible. Watching her now host the Proms and launching her first classical album, she made me realise that if you dare to dream something, it can happen with enough dedication.
- Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?
I loved the keyboard, it became the best toy ever! Until I became aware with a piece of music that the keyboard we had didn’t have all the notes on it! I was only 4 then, but I was upset I couldn’t play the piece I wanted as the notes were missing. Mum and Dad soon came to realise I was in need of a full size piano and we were lucky enough to have a second had one given to us. When I was 5, there was a meeting in school about instruments my brother, who was then 6, could have access too. I sat with my Mum and saw the long funny instrument with funny keys… the flute. I asked to have a try, but was told my hands wouldn’t reach the keys. I have always been pretty stubborn, and left crying!! My Mum bought me a plastic one from the Early Learning Centre, a toy one with a curved headpiece so I had no trouble reaching all the notes. I was so happy that I could play it and took it into school. Little did I know then that the teachers were pretty shocked and contacted Mr White to explain my age, as I was too young for lessons. Fantastically, he agreed, that he would allow me to attend lessons. And so it began! My parents had to order me a special flute with a curved headpiece to start with, it was purple and came from Australia, and it was my pride and joy! My fingers could reach all the keys, and thanks to Mr White allowing me to begin lessons, I was off! The flute has always been my passion. I love the piano but there was something about the flute, the challenge to make any sound out of it, the way you can change the tone. Unlike my little keyboard, I had all the keys on it and could take it anywhere. It never left my side!
- How would you describe your achievements and successes?
I have been lucky enough to have an incredible musical journey and I am so thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have been given. More so thankful to the people who have helped me and supported me along the way. My biggest achievement and one that makes me smile every time I think about it has to be performing for the Queen at Buckingham Palace, it was the scariest yet most amazing thing I have ever done in my life.
- How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?
It has improved my social confidence and introduced me to a vast variety of repertoire, which has improved my musical ability as well as my personal interaction with peers. I have gained understanding of working together, building and supporting each other within a team, working on our strengths and weaknesses to collectively help one another. These skills have helped me so much in my personal life and my confidence, knowing people are there to support you, feeling in a place where you belong… and it is all thanks to being part of a band.
- What is your ultimate musical ambition?
This would be to perform with a prestigious orchestra, such as the BBC Philharmonic at the Proms. It would be amazing to be able to travel the world performing music everywhere with such an amazing collection of musicians, that is my dream.
- What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument?
I love the gym, weightlifting and CrossFit. This has become my main hobby and when I am not playing in an orchestra, band or practising, I am usually found at the gym! I love socialising with friends and travelling with my family.
- What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?
The first CD I was ever given was James Galway. My grandad bought it for me when I started playing the flute. My brother and I used to do little concerts for our grandparents, and I remember granddad bringing it as a present to say ‘Well done’ on Sunday after our little performance. I still have it to this day!
