We are really pleased to have caught up with two Create Music alumni who have been enjoying fantastic music careers. Clarinettist, Beth Crouch, and Trombonist, Ollie Plant, share their thoughts and journey since leaving us
How did you get involved with Create Music?
Beth: Whole-class recorder lessons introduced me to music at age 7. Shortly after, the clarinet teacher performed the theme tune from 'The Simpsons' in our school assembly. I was immediately sold and began clarinet lessons! At age 10 I joined Eastbourne Youth Concert Band at Saturday morning music centre, followed by South Downs Youth Orchestra at 12, who rehearsed weekly, and East Sussex Youth Orchestra at 14, who met during the holidays for rehearsals and performances.
Ollie: I first got involved with Create Music from a very early age, attending Saturday morning sessions where I played in the brass groups, percussion ensemble, and concert band. As I progressed, I took every opportunity to get involved, eventually working my way up to the East Sussex Youth Orchestra (ESYO) and the East Sussex Brass Band (ESBB). It was a huge part of my musical upbringing and played a key role in shaping my path as a musician.
What is your favourite memory of Create Music?
Beth: My first orchestra tour with the East Sussex Youth Orchestra in 2014 inspired me to pursue an orchestral career. We performed Mahler’s First Symphony, quite the undertaking for a student orchestra, travelling all over Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This was my introduction to Mahler’s symphonic repertoire which forms some of the most beloved and moving pieces of orchestral music ever written. It was also a chance to meet likeminded people; I formed friendships on that tour which I still hold dear today.
Ollie: I have so many fond memories of Create Music, but one standout has to be playing with the East Sussex Brass Band (ESBB) under the late Nigel Boddice MBE. His energy, passion and commitment to the music was incredibly inspiring and those rehearsals and performances had a lasting impact on me. It was a real privilege to be part of that ensemble and to learn from him and all the staff from create music involved.
What is it like playing with professional orchestras?
Beth: It's incredibly rewarding! A huge amount of dedication, concentration and quality practice(!) are required to keep up with the demanding repertoire, busy schedules and high performance-standards, but it is always worth the effort. Being able to play amazing music with invested musicians who always give their all is incredibly fulfilling (and a lot of fun, too). I also get to play a huge variety of music, and as a freelancer, I am not limited to orchestral playing - I get to play in the band in 'Oliver!' at the West End and play in operas both in the pit and off-stage at Glyndebourne and the Royal Ballet and Opera. Live radio broadcasts, recording at Abbey Road Studios and scores for TV and film such as 'Doctor Who' are all part of my schedule as a freelancer. My favourite career highlight has to be going on tour with the London Symphony Orchestra. For me, this is the most exciting part of being a musician - travelling to different countries and playing incredible music with dedicated and caring colleagues. I absolutely loved exploring each city, eating delicious food and having the opportunity to perform in so many world-renowned venues, such as La Scala in Milan and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.
Ollie: It was a surreal experience, something I had dreamed of for years. After all the hours of practice growing up, getting the opportunity to play with such prestigious orchestras as the LSO and CBSO felt incredibly rewarding. Performing under the batons of Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Antonio Pappano, and Gustavo Dudamel and playing repertoire I’ve admired since I was young, was both inspiring and unforgettable. As an LPO Future First, I’m part of a year-long orchestral scheme with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It involves performing alongside the LPO in rehearsals and selected concerts, receiving mentorship from LPO players and taking part in a wide range of training sessions, including chamber music, outreach work and audition preparation. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand experience of life in a top-level professional orchestra and I am really excited to get started.
How did your time with Create Music prepare you for this opportunity
Beth: The huge variety of ensemble training and performance opportunities available through Create Music from an early age were invaluable. They allowed me to learn how to play with other musicians and become more comfortable performing in front of an audience. Create Music guided my non-musical family through the various stepping stones of music education, directing us to the various charities, scholarships and bursaries available to support my musical development such as the Westdene Fund and Awards for Young Musicians. The combination of all of these opportunities thoroughly prepared me for the Royal College of Music Junior Department where I studied from ages 15 to 18.
Ollie: My time with Create Music really built the foundations of playing in an ensemble, skills that are absolutely essential in this industry. Learning how to listen, lead and collaborate with others (such as in my own function band ‘The Ambrassadors’) from such a young age gave me a strong grounding that I still rely on today. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t be where I am now without Create Music and the amazing staff who supported and inspired me throughout my journey.
A huge thank you to Beth and Ollie for sharing your journey with us, and congratulations on the fantastic musical careers that you are building!
