May 2023

Heartfelt thanks and a fond farewell from Mr Meredith
 
In 1999 I joined the staff of Musica Kirklees (then Kirklees Music School) as Assistant Principal having worked in schools across Yorkshire as Head of Music, Head of Year and Senior Teacher. When I became Principal in 2004, it wasn’t my plan to stay for 20 years, but sometimes things just feel right! For various reasons, I have now taken the decision to step down as Principal at the end of this academic year but I haven’t taken that decision lightly. Musica Kirklees has simply been a wonderful place to work for the last 24 years: the staff, the board, the families, the music making, our many partners and, most importantly, the students have made the job so rewarding and I know that moving on will leave a huge hole in my life. It has been a privilege to see so many talented young people make their way through Musica Kirklees from first sounds at first lessons to performances both at home and abroad that make everyone so incredibly proud.  That is what ‘makes us tick’ as teachers and I owe everyone a debt of thanks for the tremendous opportunities that we have enjoyed together.

I am delighted to be able to welcome Nick Dolling to take over from me as Principal. Nick is a devoted colleague and superb musician who has the respect of everyone and I wish him and the whole organisation every success in the future. I will be contributing in a small way next year, working one day a week for the organisation but I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who work so hard to champion the role of music in our lives and to say a fond farewell to everyone it has been my pleasure to meet, teach, conduct and work with over the last 24 years. I will miss you all.
 
Thom Meredith
Principal - Musica Kirklees