“To stand in front of an audience of your peers to sing a solo takes immense courage. Yesterday, I had the privilege of watching one of the heats of the Vocal Competition, in which 18 pupils performed in front of the judges. The quality of singing was outstanding, but it was the bravery of the pupils that was particularly impressive. Everyone I spoke to afterwards spoke of their fear as they stepped up, but they were still prepared to put themselves forward.
“Courage comes in many different forms but being willing to take part, to sometimes make yourself vulnerable, is something that we all need to learn to do. Even as adults, we need courage to try something new; I was certainly challenged by the example of all 18 pupils last night. In the words of the American professor, lecturer and author, Brené Brown: ‘Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.’
“With best wishes.”