Distinguished Performer James McLeod, Sedgwick 2005-2009

What role did Sedbergh School play in shaping your passion for music and performance?

Alan Lewis, the Sedbergh’s Head of Brass during my time is one of the characters which shaped my life the most.  His enthusiasm, straight forward approach, talent as a teacher and a motivator helped me to become a better performer and musician.  Sedbergh also gave me the opportunity to try so many artistic endeavors I would not have been afforded if I had not attended.  Sedbergh allowed me to be my own person, to try different things as a performer, and gave me so many unique experiences that no other school gives you.  The CCF Band performed at the Albertville Festival International de Musique Militaire in 2007 – the only school band in the festival’s history to be featured.  Choirs, swing band, Sedgwick House Music nights, organising fundraising concert for the school’s trip to Malawi – and my proudest achievement – winning “Part Song” in 2009.

How does it feel to contribute to an event that celebrates 500 years of history and legacy at Sedbergh?

I’m honoured to be invited to participate in tonight’s festivities.  I love Sedbergh – I studied (loosely used …) there, I’ve worked there on three separate occasions – I met the best man at my wedding there, and through Casterton (when it was a girl’s school!) I met my wife, Jemma.  Being able to give the tiniest of things back to the place that shaped my life so much is a privilege I am thrilled to take advantage of.  It also gives me the opportunity to reminisce about the people, largely the staff who made such a profound impact on me outside of the musical realm – Guy Ayling, Stephen Hall, Michael Raw, George Aveyard, Brandon Glover, Martin Valentine, Philip Hoskin, to name but a few.

What advice would you give to current Sedbergh pupils who aspire to follow in your footsteps in the arts?

Do the boring stuff, and learn to love it.  Learn your scales, practice the basics, and make them the thing you are best at.  And no matter what you are playing, singing, conducting, or composing – make sure that the music is the most important thing.  After school nobody cares about your grade 8 or your diploma, they just care about what it sounds like.  Make sure that music wins.