Stocks-Review-Summer-2023

| Ibstock Place Stocks Review | Summer 2023

06

Dominic Alldis Pupil at Ibstock 1969–1973

Dominic Alldis was a pupil at Ibstock Place School from 1969 to 1973. He enjoyed a recent visit to Ibstock Place, during which he had the opportunity to explore the grounds and reminisce about his former teachers and his classmates. He remarked that it would be most interesting to rekindle a connection with pupils from his year group. During his recent visit, he explored Archives and toured the campus, rekindling memories of his time as a pupil at the School. He remembered the the gentler pace of life in his school days. Contrasted with the pressures of today, it was ‘slower and more forgiving’. Time was given to enjoy and explore the vast natural environment of the campus – most of the School was surrounded by orchard or forest in those days. He enjoyed breaktime playing in the woods and navigating the tree-top walkways. These opportunities for play, he suggested, stimulated a ‘feeling of being energised when I came back into the classroom after the break’. One of his fondest memories is that of his ‘formidable Headmistress’ Mrs Sheila Macleod. He noted, ‘she was authoritative, but also approachable, warm, and had a twinkle in her eye.’ Indeed, he fondly recalled all of his teachers as being diligent and engaging with their lessons. Whilst he enjoyed all his classes, he developed a special fondness for musicwhich extended into adulthood. After he left Ibstock Place, Dominic continued to cultivate his interest in music at Leigton Park School. His whole family had been musical – his father was a renowned conductor and his mother excelled in teaching violin. Dominic initially studied classical piano and cello, but developed a fervent passion for jazz. Upon finishing his school years, Dominic studied music privatelywith a variety of teachers and subsequently enlisted himself into the ‘Paris jazz scene’. Whilst in Paris, Dominic also began to teach jazz to classical pianists, establishing his interest in teaching. This was an important turning point in his career; he added, ‘The fusion of these two musical worlds, classical and jazz, went on to have a profound impact on my professional life.’ Dominic began teaching at the Royal Academy of Music in 1991 - a career he has enjoyed for nearly forty years. His teaching has been further marked by this fusion, as he advocates the value of classical traditional learning and excellence alongside the creativity and spontaneity which characterises jazz. His proudest moments include conducting orchestras, teaching gifted musicians, and the

foundation of his company Music & Management in 2003. Through this platform, he has provided musical learning for teammeetings and conferences. His time at Ibstock Place was crucial to cultivating his life long creativity and ambition. The Froebelian roots were beneficial, he said, as they ‘promoted kindness, tolerance, creativity, and relationships’. This style also encouraged a slower pace of life which gave him the space to ‘be a child and discover one’s own path in life’.

Photos: Recent professional shot of Dominic; Dominic performing ‘The First Noel ’, 1972.