Sarah Cope

M.A., B.Ed, A.R.C.M.

Sarah@copemusic.co.uk

Sarah studied Music and Education at Southlands College, Wimbledon, leading to the B.Ed qualification. She also studied for a teaching diploma at Royal College of Music (Brass) and went on to further studies at the Institute of Education, London University, where she gained an M.A. in History of Education. Since leaving college Sarah has taught in schools in Berkshire. In addition to being a Brass specialist teacher, she specialises in choral training and directs choirs and orchestras.

Sarah moved to Newbury in 1992, and shortly after took up her position as Head of Music at Thorngrove School, Highclere 1992-2003. Highlights include choir tours to Somerset, Bruges and France, where the choir gave concerts in Paris and Fantasy World, Disneyland. She was also very successful with her school orchestra and performing ensembles in the National Festival of Music for Youth, which culminated with them performing in the Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, for three successive years.

From 2003-2006 Sarah took the position of Head of Music at Farleigh School, where she was very active in building up and developing a thriving and flourishing department. Highlights here include a Choir tour to Lisieux in 2005, birthplace of St Therese of Lisieux the patron Saint of Farleigh. A group of 120 children taking part in 3 choirs at the Salisbury Music Festival, where they received excellent comments and were placed 1st in 2 of the classes entered.

Since 1997, Sarah has been the Director of Music at St Nicolas Parish Church, Newbury. St Nicolas is a large town centre church, and Sarah has grown the choir to over 40 members, both Juniors and Adults. The choir performs regularly for all Sunday Services including sung Matins and Choral Evensong services, as well as for special civic and Newbury Festival services. Special events have included singing the services at Bristol Cathedral during the Summer break, and taking part in Sainsburys Choir of the Year Competition (March 2000). The choir boasts a wide repertoire ranging from Byrd to the present day. Sarah is also responsible for building up an Open Choir and Orchestra for members of the congregation and wider community, performing both classical and more modern music.

2006+ Sarah is now pursuing a career as a freelance musician, including choir training, conducting, composing and arranging and individual teaching in brass, voice and piano.

Sarah is married to Nic and has four children.