The View From My Study 16 October 2026
The View From My Study 16 October 2026
Twenty-two years ago, I found myself standing at the foot of a vast favela in Rio de Janeiro. Around me were concrete walls patterned with bullet holes and a labyrinth of homes climbing the hillside. It was a world away from the surroundings our children enjoy at Bilton Grange. Yet what I remember alongside the poverty was the music.
In front of me, dozens of children from the favela were playing makeshift drums fashioned from bottles and cans. They taught the British children I was travelling with how to create rhythms of their own. They introduced us to Capoeira, the wonderful blend of dance, music and martial arts. Any barriers that might have existed between children from different countries, backgrounds and experiences seemed to fall away. Through rhythm, movement and song, they found a common language.
It was probably the clearest example I have seen that music is universal.
From their earliest days at Bilton Grange, our pupils are immersed in music. It provides the soundtrack to their journey through the school, but it is much more than background noise. Music develops listening skills, teamwork, discipline and confidence. It encourages creativity and self-expression. And it allows children to take risks, to perform, to make mistakes and to try again. In short, it gives them a sense of freedom.
Today’s Section Music Competition was a perfect example and it has become one of my favourite events of the school year. There was competition, for sure, but there was even more camaraderie, collaboration, enthusiasm and laughter.
This year, Dolly Parton provided the inspiration and it was wonderful to hear the children throw themselves into her songs with such gusto. They created a sense of belonging and shared experience.
On this evidence, Biltonians adopt the mantra of the Rio Carnival: abrace a música. And, in embracing the music, they gain much more than musical ability. They develop confidence, independence, resilience and a creative spirit that can last a lifetime.
Well done to Cheadle for winning the Section Ensemble contest, Alton for winning the Section singing and to Cheadle for taking the overall Section Music victory, for the first time in 21 years. A big thank you to Mr Penrose for organising, to Mr Scott Philips, Director of Music at Old Buckenham Hall for adjudicating, and to all the staff for creating the platform for the pupils to shine.
