Bromley High becomes world’s first all girls’ school to gain Steinway accreditation

In September 2017, Bromley High School is going to become the first all girls school in the world to be accredited as an All Steinway School. This accreditation is given when a School provides steinway pianos to play and rehearse on in all practice and performance spaces. 

Preceding this, pupils were excited to be present at the selection of their Steinway Concert Grand Model D which involved the renowned Concert Pianist Joanna MacGregor OBE who is both a Steinway artist and GDST alumna (she was educated at South Hampstead High School).

Ms Macgregor helped the school to choose a magnificent model D that was prepared for the selection and came especially from the Hamburg factory for the occasion.   

By becoming an All Steinway School, the students will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses given by Steinway artists and perform themselves at Steinway Hall.

“Our educational philosophy values the creative arts very highly”, said Angela Drew, Headmistress of Bromley High School, “and we have demonstrated our commitment to the arts not only by investing in these beautiful instruments but in additional staffing to enable the Bromley High Music department to enhance the musical opportunities available to pupils in local primary schools”.

Caroline Daniel, Director of Music at Bromley added:  “Joanna MacGregor is inspirational, we all came away from the experience wanting to up our practice and aim higher. It was such a privilege to hear her play and discuss the different tone qualities of these beautiful instruments. It is incredibly exciting to become the first all girls’ school to gain the Steinway accreditation and very much look forward to not only our girls embarking on a first class musical journey, but ensuring that other local young musicians can benefit from this”.

In their own words, Bromley High music scholars talk about their incredible day…

“This was a special opportunity that I felt very privileged to be a part of. It was very enjoyable to look and test out some of the pianos as well as learning how they were made. This amazing experience is something I won’t soon forget. I look forward to being part of the first all Steinway girls school!”

Tumai Ogunyemi 

“It was a great experience to see the Steinway pianos in the workshop and to play on a selection of them. My highlight of the day was learning about how the pianos were made in the workshop”

Miranda Fitzpatrick

“Getting the opportunity to play on Steinways and to meet Joanna McGregor is one I will always remember. It has been one of the best experiences of my time at Bromley High.”

Sophie Oliver

“The trip to Steinway was incredible and inspiring. Meeting the Head of Keyboard from the Royal Academy of Music was such an inspiration because she worked and practised so hard to be the amazing pianist that she is. Choosing and playing the Steinway pianos was an unforgettable experience and having these pianos at school will really enhance everyone’s playing.”

Amelia Mallors

“Everything was so beautiful and amazing, I am so privileged to have gone to Steinway and Sons and to be part of the first all girls all Steinway school.”

Deborah Bakare