During Spring term, 2009, many of Shirley's students took part in a large, BBC televised concert hosted by Merchant Taylors' School Hall, Moor Park. Excerpts of the concert was broadcast internationally for the BBC series program "The Choir". Shirley proudly sat in the front row.
Two of Shirley's grade 8 pupils performed. One student, who gained distinction at piano Grade 8 with Shirley, played the flute in the concert's all schools orchestra. The other student, then age 16 but a student of Shirley's since age 5, played a trombone solo concerto with the combined Schools' Orchestra. Shirley coached, rehearsed and accompanied her on the piano*.
Many of Shirley's other students performed with the BBC's children's South Oxhey choir, St. John's School choir, and Merchant Taylors' St. Helen's Choral Society and Orchestra, who together performed the choral work Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Shirley has taught many students from these schools.
* Shirley wishes this student congratulations on obtaining a music and academic scholarship at St. Helen's in Northwood, obtaining Grade 8 piano with distinction, merit Grade 8 flute, and, at age 16, for obtaining a professional position playing piano for a Saturday dance school. Also, congratulations to her brother, a student of Shirley's since age 6, for having obtained a music scholarship at MT's.
