Streatham & Clapham High launches new scholarship honouring Jazz pioneer

Adrianna Forbes-Dorant, Year 7 pupil and jazz pianist at Streatham & Clapham High School, was named first SCHS Sadie Crawford Music Scholar.  Adrianna performed at the birthplace of the late jazz musician Crawford (1885-1965) as a blue plaque was unveiled at her former home in Fountain Road, Tooting on Saturday 16 June.

Head Master, Dr Millan Sachania, who was also present for the plaque unveiling, commented: ‘Music is important, for like all the arts it promotes the skill of forming qualitative value judgements.  Music develops the essential skills of evaluation and interpretation that are required for appreciating the human condition and living within a reality that is complex and non-binary.  What makes a good performance? How might we interpret a piece of music?  Music stirs emotions and feelings that lie beyond the power of words, enabling us to explore the inner landscape of the human spirit.  We are not robots, and as more robots are used in the workplace, it’s even more important that our girls are well equipped to use their distinctly human skills.’

‘All Streatham & Clapham High School music scholars are not only recognised for their talent but are also called to serve as ambassadors to share their ability with others to enrich the community.  Our music scholars perform for local senior citizens, bringing them a connection that in some cases they’ve lost through speech.  They inspire pre-school children with the joys and confidence-boosting qualities of performance such as we offer to the community via our Stay & Perform Sessions at our Prep School in Wavertree Road.’

‘Streatham & Clapham High School runs singing workshops for local state primary school pupils and teachers to inspire the pupils and advocate the importance of arts education for all pupils, irrespective of means.  All our Year 7 pupils sing in the choir irrespective of ability, enabling all pupils to expand their relationship with music.  As a jazz pioneer, Sadie is a great inspiration for our music scholars, exemplifying that fearless, creative and adventurous spirit we seek to cultivate in all our pupils.’

Learn more about Sadie Crawford: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadie_Crawford

Watch Adrianna’s performance here:

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