Elizabeth White built a distinguished career in music education before joining Bradford Grammar School in 2014. Here, she talks about how the Music Department has evolved under her leadership – from expanding its range of ensembles to introducing a new scholarship programme – and shares her vision for fostering a lifelong passion for music among students.
Music at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) has been a significant part of the school’s culture for decades, and the foundations laid by previous generations continue to grow and flourish. In my time here as Director of Music, which began in 2014, I have seen the Music Department grow and develop into a vibrant, inclusive and highly regarded part of the school community.
One of the key factors in our success is the wide range of musical experiences, ensembles and choirs we offer. From orchestras, big bands and four different choirs, to more niche groups like our folk band The Wickermen and the Dixieland jazz group Crackerjacks, students of all ages and abilities can explore different genres and styles. The department truly embodies the concept of ‘music for all’ and we aim to provide every student with the opportunity to experience the joy of making music, whether they are taking their first steps in Year 7 or refining their skills in the Sixth Form.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is watching the musical culture within the school thrive. Students aren’t just involved in music because they have to be—they do it because they want to be. Many students participate in co-curricular activities during lunchtimes, 26 ensembles each week, filling every day with rehearsals, practice and performances. Our Friday lunchtime concerts are a real highlight. They’re informal events where both performers and their peers come together to share music in a relaxed atmosphere. The sense of community is palpable. You’ll often see students from the same form holding up banners and cheering on their friends as they perform. It’s a heart-warming reflection of the supportive and inclusive atmosphere we’ve worked hard to build.
Another essential part of our Music programme is the academic curriculum. Music is thriving at GCSE and A-level here, and that’s not something you can say about every school these days. Nationally, fewer schools offer Music as an academic subject, but we are fortunate to have strong numbers of students continuing to A-level and beyond. We offer both traditional Music A-level and Music Technology A-level, catering to the diverse interests of our students. The latter focuses more on music production, recording and the technical aspects of the music industry, and we use industry-standard software like Logic Pro. This prepares students for careers in music production or sound engineering, but also allows them to explore creative pathways within the technology space.
A new and exciting development within our department is the revision of our music scholarship programme. From 2024, students can apply for a scholarship that includes free instrumental lessons throughout their time at the school, as well as bespoke support sessions designed to help them reach their full potential. We work closely with the sports department to ensure that music and sport are seen as complementary disciplines, not competing ones. This has been key in allowing our students to excel in both areas. One of the innovative aspects of the programme is our partnership with Grey Matters, a company specialising in resilience and performance psychology. The music and sports scholars will receive coaching in areas like mental imagery and social skills, helping them to develop not just as musicians or athletes, but as well-rounded individuals.
We already have a fantastic group of scholars for the upcoming academic year, drawn from both internal and external candidates. It’s incredibly exciting to see the talent, enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the school. Many of our scholars are multi-instrumentalists, playing at a high level across several different instruments. It’s a privilege to work with such committed students, and I look forward to seeing how they will shape the future of our Music Department.
One of the strengths of BGS is its commitment to collaboration, not just within the Music Department, but across the entire school. We work closely with the drama department to produce bi-annual musicals, which are a huge highlight of the school calendar. These productions, like our recent shows My Fair Lady and The Addams Family, are an incredible way for students to combine their musical and dramatic talents, and they foster a real sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Looking to the future, I’m confident that music at BGS will continue to grow and inspire. With strong academic results, vibrant performance opportunities and now our expanded scholarship programme, we are well-placed to support the next generation of musicians. But more than that, we are committed to fostering a love of music that will stay with our students for life, whether they go on to professional careers or simply carry that joy with them into whatever path they choose.
Music is about much more than performances and grades. It’s about connection, expression and building a sense of belonging. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself, contributing your voice or instrument to a community that values creativity, collaboration and joy. And that’s why I believe the Music Department is such an integral part of what makes BGS special.
“I believe the Music Department is such an integral part of what makes BGS special.”
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