2025’s Leavers

Two music students stand either side of their teacher

At the end of another brilliant year at Wirksworth Music Centre, we say goodbye to two long-standing students as they head off to university. After years of Saturday mornings filled with music, laughter, and dedication, they’re ready for exciting new adventures.

They’ve grown from enthusiastic beginners into confident musicians who’ve made a lasting impact on our ensembles and community. We’re proud of everything they’ve achieved and wish them every success in the next stage of their journeys.

From all of us at WMC — thank you, good luck, and keep playing!

Kate Rogerson
“I started Wirksworth Music Centre (WMC) aged 7 playing the recorder, and soon progressed to the trumpet in the Junior Wind Band. Along with the trumpet, I enjoyed learning the basics on the baritone with Mat. I remember at one of the concerts at County Offices, somebody forgot to bring a drum kit, and we had to find a variety of bins around the place for the drummer to play. In another concert, the keyboard collapsed!

When I got into Year 7 I moved into the Senior Wind Band with Nick, which I think really helped my playing come along, especially being the only trumpet player for most of the time. Some of my favourite pieces we played included: Extracts from Les Mis, the Lion King and the Greatest Showman.

I have also enjoyed getting to know the friends I have made over the years, and will miss everyone at WMC. It has not just been about the music for me, but also for the random (and often weird) side conversations we had when we were supposed to be rehearsing! I would also like to apologise to Paul for wearing my crocs every week, despite his protests both at school and on a Saturday morning.

I am sad to leave WMC, but I feel that I have gained valuable experience and am looking forward to joining music groups at university, where I plan to study Physical Geography and Maths.”

Lucy Gascoigne
“I joined Wirksworth Music Centre when I was 10 and hadn’t been playing the flute for long at that point. I joined Mat’s training band and realised I found playing in a group much more enjoyable than playing on my own. I then joined Nick’s band during lockdown and remember how nice it was to be able to play in a group again, even if it was online.

Since then, I feel like my ability as a flautist has improved significantly, and I’ve begun to feel so much more confident in my ability. I appreciated how Nick gave some of solo parts within pieces to me, it was scary but the best way to help me improve. I always enjoyed seeing what pieces we would be playing at the start of a new term, and Nick always chose a good variety that were both fun and challenging. I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to play the flute in a group and have very fond memories of my time at Wirksworth Music Centre.

I should hopefully be going to the University of Leeds in the autumn to study Linguistics, and I plan to continue playing the flute in some way whilst I am there. I hope Wirksworth Music Centre flourishes and continues to give the opportunities like I’ve had to future players.”

Photo from left to right Kate, Nick Stacey and Lucy courtesy JB,