Inspired by the recent achievement of Captain Tom Moore, Year 10 pupil Benjamin leapt at the chance to perform, wanting to do his bit to thank the NHS. 

The residents of Claremont Road, Marlow, congregated outside their houses at a distance, before the weekly ‘clap for carers’ on Thursday 16 April to participate in a musical performance honouring all the key workers who are keeping the country running throughout the Covid-19 crisis. 

Benjamin said: “I just wanted to do something, however small, to show my appreciation to the NHS and all carers for what they are doing now.”

Benjamin was the only musician taking part and took it in his stride as he confidently led the performance on his clarinet. Following the advice from Senior Boys Head of Music Adrian Roach, Benjamin orchestrated the whole performance ensuring that everyone started singing at the same time, in the right key, and that his clarinet could be heard by everyone in the road. 

Despite some nerves, Benjamin executed a polished performance with maturity, receiving a spontaneous round of applause and requests for an encore. Commenting on his performance, Benjamin said: "To be honest, I did panic slightly but compared to what others are doing, I knew I had to put that to one side so I stopped worrying about the possibility of an odd wrong note."

Benjamin has inspired children in his neighbourhood to join him this week for a rendition of ‘With a Little Help from my Friends’ by The Beatles and rumour has it, there will be trumpets, trombones, drums, recorders, a violin and even a piano.

James Wilding, Academic Principal and Head of Senior Boys, praised Benjamin: “What a terrific, uplifting story of hope and community in these uncertain times. Our broad, rounded curriculum at Claires Court means that our pupils acquire a range of life skills - academic, social, musical, creative and sporting, as well as the opportunity to build confidence and to take risks, as displayed by Benjamin here.”

Watch the full performance here.