News Collyer’s Music Student Hit The Right Note 22.05.2026

Collyer’s students Phoebe Lally, Edelyn Spina and Zach Johnston have been performing at St Mary’s Church in Horsham at a recital to raise funds for the restoration of the Willets organ at St Mary’s.

On violin, Phoebe Lally’s repertoire comprised: Andante (Op. 75) by Gabriel Fauré; Adagio (Second movement from Concerto No. 9 in A minor, Op. 104) by C.-A. de Beriot and Levee Dance by C. C. White. On the clarinet Edelyn Spina performed Grand Duo Concertante by Carl Maria von-Weber, and Zach Johnston performed the Trombone Concerto by Ferdinand David. All were accompanied by Alison Sutton on the piano.

Paul Clarke, a much loved former Collyer’s teacher, thoroughly enjoyed the performances: “All three were excellent and very warmly received. Their contribution was appreciated and enjoyed.”

Phoebe has been playing violin since she was 4 and achieved her grade 8 at the age of 15. She has been a member of a variety of ensembles and musical activities including quartets, chamber orchestras, county youth orchestras and national ensembles and has experience playing both first violin, second violin and principal roles. Phoebe is currently studying A level Music, Spanish and English. Next year Phoebe will be taking a gap year to work and travel, gaining experience and hoping to apply for an English Literature BA for the following year. She aims to go into publishing, and she hopes that music will remain a major part of her life.

Evelyn’s musical journey started on violin and viola, the clarinet being a late addition, quickly gaining experience. She has played principal clarinet for various national orchestral and wind band camps, including National Youth Wind Orchestra, English Schools Orchestra and European Youth Summer Music. This year she won eight categories in music festivals, as well as the overall best young woodwind performer for Portsmouth Music Festival, allowing her to audition for a concerto opportunity. Edelyn is currently studying A level Music, Spanish and Drama. In September this year Edelyn will be studying classical clarinet with second study violin at the Royal College of Music with the ambition to become a professional clarinettist.

Zach began his musical journey on the trumpet but soon discovered their passion for the trombone, which he now plays alongside the piano. His dedication has led him to attain Grade 8 in trombone, bass trombone, and piano. In addition to his achievements as a soloist, Zach has extensive experience performing with orchestras jazz and concert bands. He is also a talented composer and have recently ventured into conducting. Currently, Zach is pursuing A levels in Music, Maths, and Physics, and he is set to study Astrophysics next year.

Collyer’s Director Music, Ben Dowsett was delighted: “This remarkable year for our Music A level students has truly been a cause for celebration. Every one of the three students who applied to pursue music at a higher level received offers: Woody Nicholls will be attending Guildhall on a jazz scholarship, Edelyn has secured a place at the Royal College of Music, and Lily Shipton has been awarded an unconditional offer from Chichester Conservatoire.

“The cohort’s exceptional musical accomplishments speak for themselves, and I have every confidence that this success will shine through in their A level results. Moreover, the broad skillset our students have developed is evident in their diverse pursuits, with destinations ranging from Astrophysics to Jazz Double Bass. This versatility highlights both their talent and the value of a comprehensive music education.”

Collyer’s Deputy Principal Steve Martell said: “I could not be prouder of these gifted young musicians.”