Chineke! Junior Brooke achieves Distinction in ARSM Diploma

Huge congratulations to our Chineke! Junior Orchestra double bassist Brooke Simpson for achieving a Distinction in her ARSM Diploma exam!

The ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) is a new post-Grade 8 performance-only diploma which enables musicians to demonstrate their performance skills through a programme of their own choosing.

Brooke has played with the Chineke! Juniors since 2018 and is a vocal champion of the Chineke! Foundation mission.

My name is Brooke Simpson. I attend my local comprehensive school (year 10) where amongst other things I am studying GCSE music. I started playing double bass in October 2016 and fell immediately in love with the look, feel and sound of the instrument. I haven't stopped playing since!
My school has a great music department which means I have lots of support with double bass playing. I am a big advocate for music opportunities in comprehensive education because without the incredible support of both my primary and secondary schools, I would not be able to enjoy all the incredible experiences I have now.
I have been playing with Chineke! Juniors since 2018 and have enjoyed a number of performances with them, my favourite being a concert to mark the first ever Stephen Lawrence Day in 2019. I am also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and love playing and learning with them. I have my lessons with Bromley Youth Music Trust where I also lead the double bass section for their Chamber and Symphony Orchestras. I enjoying playing in their Big Band too on bass guitar and double bass.
My ambition is to be a professional orchestral bassist and I am hoping to go to conservatoire when I leave school. Aside from double bass, I have piano lessons, love to run, read and walk my crazy dog.