Name: Anna Thirkettle

Age: 21

Where are you from? Cambridge

I am currently… in my fourth year of studying clarinet performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. After I leave RBC, I aspire to have a career playing in pit orchestras for musical theatre as I am a keen woodwind doubler, as well as for ballet and opera. In my portfolio career, I also want to pursue woodwind teaching and arts admin.

I am a LEAP Ambassador because… I am currently focusing on exploring exactly which jobs I want to do within the arts, as I am in my final year at conservatoire, so I want to gain as much experience as I can in all fields of work. I hope to gain an in-depth understanding of job roles that are behind the scenes and improve my leadership and project management skills. I am delighted to have been awarded this wonderful opportunity.

What are you passionate about? As well as being a passionate multi-instrumental performer and woodwind teacher, I passionately believe that all children should have access to musical opportunities, regardless of their background. As someone who attended state school, I believe that the disparities of arts education between state and private schools is one of the biggest issues in the arts industry today.

An interesting fact about me is I learnt the recorder, cornet, guitar and violin before deciding that clarinet was the instrument for me!

My first encounter with Birmingham Royal Ballet was in 2022 when I watched the ‘Into the Music’ triple bill. They were such impactful performances, and it was one of the best productions I have ever seen. I am grateful for the student ticket offer which meant that I was able to attend this production.