I am indebted to Mr Barraclough, my first music teacher. In my first year at Christleton, back in 1986, I was part of the Junior Choir for "Too Hot to Handel?.." - his Rock Messiah concert. I absolutely loved it and it ignited my passion for singing and choral music. Mr Barraclough supported me with this, he helped me find a singing teacher outside school and often accompanied me both in school concerts and during practice times. He was so dedicated to his job, he was mostly a one-man music department, and was always available at break times and lunch times in the department to help with practice or running an ensemble rehearsal. I remember his own wonderful musical Jason & the Argonauts, as well as all of the fantastic shows and concerts the school put on, thanks to Mr Barraclough's dedication and musicality. An absolute inspiration, I am a professional singer and have also worked as a singing teacher and choir leader for many years. I would not have started out on my own musical journey without his help and his teaching. So sad to hear of this loss, but Mr Barraclough's musical legacy lives on through all of his pupils.
Sara Cluderay:
09/09/2020