Sarah’s journey from ESC to award-winning musician

East Sussex College alumna, Sarah Furnell has gone from strength to strength since leaving the college having won multiple awards as a flautist.

Sarah, a gifted flautist, has not only flourished as a musician but has also received multiple awards, establishing herself as a prominent figure in classical music - frequently playing with orchestras and ensembles locally and nationally.

Reflecting on her time at East Sussex College, Sarah recalled the supportive environment that encouraged her to explore and create. "During my time at East Sussex College, we were encouraged to set up our own ensembles and to perform outside of the curriculum," she said.

Driven by a desire to keep the musical flame alive beyond college, Sarah co-founded the 'Lewes Music Group,' an initiative that has evolved into a beacon of musical excellence in the community. The Lewes Music Group, which stemmed from the Lewes Youth Band, now encompasses diverse musical endeavours, including the Lewes Big Band and Jukebox 1264, while also conducting charitable music workshops.

Sarah outlined the importance of academic support from tutors and the invaluable guidance and freedom during her journey throughout her studies at ESC. “I certainly enjoyed studying music at East Sussex College,” said Sarah. “All of the tutors allowed me to explore and create as well as giving us performance opportunities at events such as Music For Youth in Birmingham.

“By not limiting us to classroom studies, they provided opportunities to experiment with other like minded musicians through their ensembles. The music department had a real community feeling where we supported each other and so our confidence grew. Studying music at East Sussex College helped me build my confidence and developed my knowledge in not only classical music but allowed me to explore different styles such as pop and jazz.

Sarah added, “The music tutors gave me the opportunity to learn a new instrument which is now fundamental to my musical career. They gave me good academic support and encouragement during my studies plus the opportunity to perform regularly to peers, the public and at venues such as the Attenborough Centre, Birley Centre and even at Glyndebourne Opera House.”

Following her studies at ESC, Sarah went on, with the encouragement of her tutors, to study at Leeds Conservatoire where she further developed her talents.

“With encouragement of the music tutors at East Sussex College, I applied and accepted a place to study Classical Music at Leeds Conservatoire where I received flute and piccolo tuition from Helen Wilson (Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra) and Sarah Markham (Professor of Saxophone),” said Sarah.

“I was encouraged to explore new styles of music such as contemporary music that uses extended techniques. From this I became involved in the Conservatories ‘New Music Collective’ ensemble and played in many performances including projects with the Manchester Camerata and a ‘Percussion does Dance’ concert where I played a flute and percussion concerto.”

Since graduating with a First Class BA (Hons), Sarah's career has soared to new heights. Her achievements include attending the Liverpool Flute Academy summer school and receiving accolades such as the William Bennett Prize at the British Flute Society's Young Artist Competition 2024. Sarah has collaborated with some of the most prominent composers and flautists in the UK, including Iain Clarke, Cormac Henry and many more!

“Since graduating, I have attended the Liverpool Flute Academy summer school which is run by the flute players of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra,” said Sarah. “I played in the band for The Addams Family and Joseph. I organise and manage concerts for the Lewes Big Band and we have had workshops with Pete Long on his arrangements of Jazz Planets and Jazz Swan Lake that we then performed.

“It was such a joy to take part in the British Flute Society’s Young Artist Competition 2024 and to be the first recipient of the William Bennett Prize. It was a fantastic event and an honour to perform to Gareth Davies and Eliza Marshall - both highly respected flautists.”

If you’re interested in studying Music at East Sussex College, please click here for more information.

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