Ben Hall, Head of Music at the University of Chichester, looks back on the first alumni event held by the department, in association with the Friends of Chartres group on 12 August 2010:
“Fine weather favoured our first Music Alumni event, and the hot air balloon – until the last minute an uncertain performer in the programme – was able to lift friends, alumni and distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Chichester, Michael Woolley, and our intrepid Executive Dean, Sarah Gilroy, into the summer sky.
“Following two inspiring networking workshops by Alex Mann from the Musicians Union and Rob Nash from the National Association of Music Educators, alumni were able to hear a keynote speech from Simon Hebditch, introduced by Clive Behagg, Acting Vice Chancellor. An alumnus of Bishop Otter College, Simon’s work in the third sector and in parliament has helped and enabled huge advances in UK philanthropic giving over the last 40 years.
“The Alumni event was themed to reflect Chichester’s long association with Chartres, and it was in a Chapel of the Ascension decked out with hundreds of tricolours that a wonderful recital of French song from Susan Legg and Jonathan Plowright delighted all who heard them. Ticklin the Pickle, performing in Zee Bar, brought the day to a typically flamboyant close.
“The music department is grateful to Mrs Elizabeth Bennett, High Sheriff of West Sussex, the Mayor of Chichester, the Acting Vice Chancellor, the Chair of Governors and the Friends of Chartres for supporting the first of what will now become an annual event.”
For pictures from the event, please visit the University’s Flickr photostream.
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