Continuing the series profiling some of the University Music Scholars. This week, first-year flautist reading History, Natanya Freedman.

I have been very lucky in terms of my musical experiences before I arrived at the University of Kent. I have been playing the flute now for 12 years and during these years I have been playing in many ensembles, bands and orchestras at both my Secondary School, Bullers Wood School for Girls and my music school The Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT). BYMT played a significant role in my life before leaving for University. Once I had started secondary school I played in the wind bands on a Saturday morning, starting in Training Band and working my way up to Symphonic Winds and the Concert Orchestra playing both the flute and piccolo. Prior to this I had played in the Junior Band when I first started playing the flute. Playing in these wind bands gave me wonderful opportunities such as playing at the Fairfield Halls in the Bromley Schools Proms. In my final year at BYMT I played with the touring Youth Band (Bromley Youth Concert Band), and we toured to the South of Spain playing 6 concerts, two of which were a part of the Granada Music Festival. As well as the Wind Bands and Orchestras, I was lucky enough to play with the award winning group ‘40 Flutes’. As a part of Music for Youth, we played at the Royal Albert Hall, twice, which were extremely memorable and rewarding experiences.

Since arriving at the University of Kent I have thrown myself into all the possible musical opportunities, playing in the Flute Choir, Concert Band and Orchestra. My experiences so far have been incredible and I am thoroughly looking forward to what is to come this term!

The musical opportunities at Kent are, in my opinion, invaluable. Even being at the University for one term has allowed me to progress massively. The range of groups, events and types of music played allow for players of all abilities and are an amazing way of meeting new people and forming groups of friends across all years that are separate to those in your accommodation or course.

See more in the series here.