Trumpeter Holly Clark graduated from our Brass Department with a Master's in July, having also completed her undergraduate degree here. We spoke to her about her inspirations and her experience studying at the Academy. Read on below and enjoy a video of Holly performing an excerpt from Brandt's Concertpiece No 2, filmed on the Academy’s rooftop.
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TELL US ABOUT YOUR INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC? WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING THE TRUMPET?
I started on the cornet when I was 9 and moved onto the trumpet when I was 16. My parents were always an inspiration while I was growing up as they are musicians themselves, and they have always been incredibly supportive of my music-making.
WHO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS?
Aside from my parents, Wynton Marsalis has been an inspiration as his recordings were some of the first ones that I listened to when I started learning and I was blown away by his talent.
What LED YOU TO STUDY at the Academy?
Initially it was the outstanding range of trumpet professors that led me to apply. After visiting for the audition, I was drawn into the friendly yet hard working atmosphere.
What WAS YOUr experience like as an Academy student?
I had a great experience as a student. I had some outstanding opportunities, from taking part in Academy-wide projects to visiting Prague and playing alongside the Czech Philharmonic. My teachers were fantastic and incredibly supportive and I met some amazing people that I will stay close to for a very long time.
Is there a standout memory for you from your time studying here so far?
One stand out memory would be playing the off-stage solo in Mahler's Symphony No 3 with the Academy Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre. It was such a great concert and one that I was thrilled to play a role in.
What does the Academy mean to you?
It means a lot to me as I spent five years studying there and during that time, I developed so much both as a person and a musician. I have some very fond memories of my time there.
Can you tell us about the piece you are performing in the video. Why is it special to you?
This piece, Brandt's Concertpiece No 2, is the piece that I played to open the final recital for my Master's degree. However, I had played it quite a few years prior to this with my cornet teacher when I was in high school. I have good memories of this piece as I was very fond of my cornet teacher and I actually once performed it with my dad accompanying me.
Holly Clark performs Brandt's Concertpiece No 2
You have just graduated from the Academy - what have you been up to since you finished your studies here? What are you looking forward to next?
I have started my journey as a freelance musician which is very exciting. I have a number of trials currently and I look forward to continuing working on new projects with my brass quintet, London Central Brass.