Joanna Tomlinson
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I started at just 4 years old in the early 80s and stayed until I was 16. My fondest memory has to be the annual November Fair – I still remember the school smelling of mulled wine and being very Christmassy and exciting.
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
I have two that are particularly memorable. A history teacher called Miss Kelleher who really brought history to life – and in studying twentieth century history with her I became really interested in politics for the first time. The other was one of my greatest musical influences – my peripatetic recorder teacher Belinda Sykes. She taught me from a very young age until I left and was not only a phenomenal musician but was a perfect nurturing personality for me to gain confidence in music.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
I don’t think I ever encountered any attitude of women not being equal or able to do any job, until after my degree, once I was out in the working world. This was a great start for someone who would later find their way into musical leadership.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
I think I was so passionate about music I knew it would be something related to that. One school career teacher did try to convince me I should be an actuary because I was “quite good at maths”!
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I primarily work as a choral conductor – I’m the regular conductor of two central London choirs, plus the National Youth Choir’s 9-15 year old female voices. I also sing professionally and teach singing and conducting to professional musicians at the start of their careers. This is juggled along with giving masterclassses and workshops, adjudicating, and looking after my family so I think the most challenging thing is juggling the diary and trying not to let work completely take over all the time!
6. What are you most proud of so far?
Possibly the times I’ve conducted at the Royal Albert Hall because it’s just such a special venue. Also I’m really proud of the choral society I set up in 2010, Constanza Chorus, because they’ve gone from strength to strength over that time and recovered amazingly after having to stop rehearsing for such a long time during Covid times.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
I’m afraid I can’t think of anything specific after 25 years!
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
To believe in myself and what I can do! Having that self-confidence whilst still being someone other people want to work alongside and be around is something so many of us need to keep striving for.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
I’m going to self-publicise! I recorded a great piece of music with National Youth Choir called Truth by Andrea Ramsey, about self belief which seems the right thing to pick after the last question! “You are enough. You must believe in that. Believe the truth”.
Spotify link here
10. How would you like to be remembered?
As a musician who shares skills with others to enable them and give them greater joy of performing.
To read more about Joanna’s career, or to hear some of her recordings please follow this link to Joanna’s website:
