Meet our new Director of Music

Mr Potts joins us after spending three and a half years as the Assistant Director of Music at Sevenoaks School. Having studied for a bachelor’s degree in Music and French at Durham University, he continued his studies in the clarinet at post-graduate level at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His first teaching position was at Ampleforth College as Teacher of Music, Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion, and an Assistant Housemaster. Mr Potts enjoys playing the clarinet and the piano.

1. What attracted you to your role here at Freemen’s?
I think there are so many aspects about Freemen’s that make it an enticing school to work at. From a musical perspective the facilities are exceptional and it was clear to me at interview that the students here are bright, talented and keen to learn. The campus is stunning and it seems to me that the School is in a really exciting phase of its development. It’s clearly a place to which you can bring new and exciting ideas.

2. What would you like to be known for at Freemen’s?
I suppose for sharing a genuine passion for music. I really believe it is one of the most precious windows to knowledge we are afforded in life whether you are approaching music as a listener or as someone who performs. All too often music is considered a nice ornament in social life, I hope I can communicate something more significant about the musical/aesthetic experience in my time here.

3. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Interested, honest, urbane

4. What is top of your bucket list?
In recent years I have ticked a few off the bucket list including cycling the Stelvio Pass, a bizarre ski trip in Kazakhstan and exploring some of the more extraordinary sites of the old Silk Road. In terms of a musical bucket list I really want to learn Franz Liszt’s monumental Sonata in B Minor for the piano and attend the Bayreuth Festival (the seven year waiting list is proving hard to contend with).

5. Tell us about one of your career highlights so far.
I have been very privileged to have worked at two excellent schools before coming to Freemen’s where I have been given license to run some great projects. I think the highlights have always been the tours. There’s something really exciting about putting a programme together to take to country like Italy and perform in some of the most stunning cities in the world.

6. Do you have a role model? Who and why?
When growing up I always had sporting heroes. I used to have a season ticket to Sale Sharks and was in awe of Jason Robinson as a phenomenally talented athlete who could change games of his own accord. I also admired his modest and understated manner. Zinedine Zidane was a footballing hero until the ridiculous headbutt in the 2006 final. Now I would say I try to model a lot of my own traits on more immediate people in my life; the good friends I have been lucky to make and some of the more extraordinary colleagues I have had the privilege of working with.