In The Spotlight: Immy Churchill

Tell us about what you do now. Has your time at the school influenced your life today?

I’m currently studying Jazz Voice at The Royal Academy of Music. I’m performing a lot with various musicians: I have a jazz trio, a band that performs traditional folk music, my own singer-songwriter project and I’m also involved in a touring quintet led by Lukas DeRungs (a German composer and jazz pianist). I’m lucky enough to work with incredible visiting professors like Gwilym Simcock, Kit Downes, Lauren Kinsella and Norma Winstone …. getting involved as a singer, writer and lyricist. My time at BMS absolutely shaped my confidence as a musician, not only being surrounded by such incredible musicians amongst the students but also having the support and encouragement from Mr Mower and Mrs Perry throughout my time at BMS.

Tell us about your time at BMS. Do you have any special memories you would like to share?

I must say that being involved in the school’s production of West Side Story was a really special moment for me; not only is the music just incredible and a dream to sing but it really influenced my music development and many of my greatest friendships began in that show. Mostly, though, my special memories are just a culmination of the time I spent in the music department with all my friends jamming and rehearsing!

Who was someone from your time at BMS who had an impact on you and why?

The music department as a whole had an incredible influence on my life: John Mower had a lasting impact on me, purely due to his unwavering enthusiasm and desire to strive for the best! I never felt that he would let things slide just because we were students; he held us to a high standard because he knew we could do it and I will always value the care that he put into the music department. This also extends to Mary Perry who always looked out for us and was in my corner for my whole time at BMS, curating concerts and opportunities that prior to BMS I couldn’t have even imagined (composing music for a play, workshops with incredible musicians etc) and not to mention her support through all the highs and lows that school brought us.

What do you do like to do in your spare time?

I’m super into charity shopping - retail therapy is real! Also, I’m an avid poetry reader so any opportunity to sit with a coffee and read a book, that’s where I’ll be!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The connections you make at BMS are lasting so don’t stress too much about your grades or comparing yourself that you don’t make the most of your time with friends in the process! It’s the last time you’ll all be in one place so make enjoy it!

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the OBM and BMS community?

Say yes to things even if you don’t feel quite ready yet; there are so many opportunities I accepted and thrived from that I nearly said no to - don’t be your own worse enemy! If you put your mind to something, you can do it.