At nine years, music teacher Charlie Zuckert is the novice in the group, while Angela Moore has taught harp for 19 years, Ilid Jones has spent 22 years as a visiting music teacher of oboe and recorder and Dayle Hume has clocked up an astonishing 29 years teaching violin at LEH.

Mrs Zuckert, who is leaving to move to Bath with her young family, where she’ll teach at King Edward’s School, says: “There have been so many highlights of my time here - being involved in putting on so many of the concerts, witnessing the amazing performances students have given, racing against the Sixth Formers in the Sports Day staff race, taking groups on DofE expeditions and just generally being part of the school community.

“If I could pick LEH up and put it in the countryside I don’t think I would ever leave, but I’m looking forward to a more rural life where I see sheep and birds out of my window rather than the R70 bus! I look forward to being able to come back and be in the audience at future LEH concerts.”

Visiting Music Teacher Mrs Moore has plans to spend her retirement travelling with her husband and already has a six-week trip to New Zealand booked for 2025. She says: “Not only have I clocked up 19 years since 2005 but I also did a few years back in the late 80s/90s when Miss Candy was the Head Mistress.

“I'm sad to leave such a vibrant, warm and friendly music department. The girls are exceptional and great to teach, but it's time to pass the baton on to someone younger and possibly more adept with this digital age and all the new possibilities that that brings.” 

Mrs Hume first joined LEH in January 1977 and taught for three years, before leaving to concentrate on her family and her role in a professional orchestra. She says: “It was a pleasure to be invited back again shortly after my daughter joined the Senior School and this second incarnation has lasted for 29 years. There have been numerous highlights over the years but perhaps the greatest thrill has been seeing so many girls develop from beginner violinists into mature musicians. Retirement will be a different challenge and I shall miss everyone enormously, both pupils and colleagues.”

We’re definitely hitting the right note as we wish them every success with their next adventures.