Welcome to our new music teacher, Mr Richard Fox, who joined Bridgnorth Endowed School at the beginning of term.
In secondary school, he didn’t really fit the mould of a typical classical music scholar, so had not been encouraged to follow music. Instead, he played piano in a Jazz band in his spare time and embarked on a career in computer programming.
At the age of 23, he decided to change direction to follow his dream, and returned to further education to study A-Levels in music and English, together with piano up to Grade 8.
This enabled him to go to the University of Sussex to study 20th Century Music, where he embraced a variety of opportunities. These included, becoming conductor of the university orchestra, starting up a musical society and getting a spot on the university’s radio station.
During his time in Brighton, he even got a part-time job answering the phones at the local BBC radio station and ended up hosting his own classical music show for three years.
Later, Mr Fox made the move to become a teacher and has never looked back since. He’s taught in schools in five different countries, including comprehensives, grammar schools and also in the independent sector.
Aside from teaching, he’s enjoyed all kinds of interesting opportunities, among other things, conducting on stage at Symphony Hall, and on BBC Children in Need for the Birmingham Choir.
As a musician, he has composed a number of choral works, some of which have reached audiences as far away as Spain and Australia. What’s more, he’s performed regularly with choirs, including the BBC Symphony Chorus, and been an accompanist for various musical societies.
“I love teaching music – it’s a lot of fun and very rewarding. Music can have a profound effect on a young person’s attitude, confidence and enthusiasm for learning. I’m passionate about music and feel very excited about teaching here.”
Mr Fox will be co-ordinating a range of music events at Bridgnorth Endowed, including the Carol Service in December and the school show next March.
