Kent Music Summer School has been a part of the summer experience for young musicians for over 70 years. Find out more about the summer school, it’s history and what it’s like to attend, below.
The summer school has been running at Benenden School since 1947 and, although it began aimed at adults, thousands of children have since taken part in a range of courses , from wind bands to musical theatre.
The focus of the Summer School music courses is for young people to have fun while being encouraged and motivated to improve, supported by professional tutors and an experienced pastoral team.
It’s not all rehearsing, though. During free time, students can play music in smaller groups, join organised activities, explore the grounds or relax in the boarding house common room. In break times and evenings, students from across the courses will mingle – pianists and musical theatre performers, symphony orchestra players with brand new music explorers, and more.
Kent Music Summer School Manager Phill Hyde said: “From the moment you arrive at the Kent Music Summer School your ‘Benenden Experience’ begins – an environment where music and enjoyment are allowed to flourish for all that attend.”
Students from all backgrounds and ages can attend a summer music experience that has stood the test of time.
The ‘Benenden Experience’, as it has become affectionately known, has evolved over the years and now provides courses for students with no previous musical experience (such as summer singing or musical theatre) right through to more advanced courses (such as the Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Band courses).
“Kent Music Summer School is a place that allows children’s creativity to shine around others that share a similar passion and interest. Music knows no boundaries and has the ability to reach out and connect to everyone regardless of age or background.”
Among KMSS alumnus are Michael Seal, Associate Conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Philip Sawyers, British composer of orchestral and chamber music, Andrew Cottee, an award-winning British composer, arranger, orchestrator and conductor, Sam Hall, music lyricist and children’s musical director/rock coach at School of Rock the Musical London.
There are musicians in almost every professional orchestra in the country who have had the Benenden experience, along with those in all genres of music, including jazz, rock and folk.
Many young musicians use the summer schools as a springboard to move onto national representation such as the National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Choir.
However, it’s not just for those wanting to move on to become professional musicians – KMSS is a place for everyone to enjoy themselves and enrich their summers, making friends and memories to last a lifetime!