Olympic drummer returns to Forest school

Ex-Forest Pppil and Olympic Drummer, Jack Summerfield, returned to his old school this week to offer words of wisdom to the current GCSE music pupils.
Ex-Forest Pupil and Olympic Drummer Jack Summerfield visits his old school for a Drum WorkshopEx-Forest Pupil and Olympic Drummer Jack Summerfield visits his old school for a Drum Workshop
Ex-Forest Pupil and Olympic Drummer Jack Summerfield visits his old school for a Drum Workshop

Jack, who left Forest in 2009, only took up drumming when he was 14 years old; however, having decided to make it his career he is now in his last year of a Drums Performance Degree at The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford.

A school that has born such stars as Newton Faulkner and Ed Sheeran.

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During his workshop with the Forest’s current music pupils Jack talked about his journey from school to Music College and the opportunities that he has had since being at ACM.

Winners of The Forest School Drum-Off competition. Left to Right: Jack Steggles, Tom Southon, Harry Gibbs and Tommy ElstonWinners of The Forest School Drum-Off competition. Left to Right: Jack Steggles, Tom Southon, Harry Gibbs and Tommy Elston
Winners of The Forest School Drum-Off competition. Left to Right: Jack Steggles, Tom Southon, Harry Gibbs and Tommy Elston

Jack said: “As well as developing as a drummer and working towards my degree I have had some great opportunities.

“I was lucky enough to play at the opening ceremony of last year’s London 2012 Olympics and am also shortly going to be playing at the 2013 UEFA Champions League final.”

“It is great to come back to Forest School and share some of my experiences and skills with the current pupils,” he added. “It was actually the first Forest School Drum Off competition that really got me wanting to be a drummer!”

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Jane Bowen-Melfi, Head of Music at Forest, said: “It was lovely to have Jack with us and to hear that his time playing music at Forest inspired him to go on and make his hobby and passion, his career.

“We held the 2013 Forest School Drum-Off the evening before Jack’s visit, with some fantastic performances by boys across the ages.

“Let’s hope we can inspire more pupils like Jack to pursue careers in music.”

The winners of the 2013 Forest School Drum-Off were 1-Minute Class – Jack Steggles; 2-Minute Class; Tommy Elston 3-Minute Class Tom Southon; 4-Minute Class Harry Gibbs.

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Pictured here: Photographs:Jack Summerfield visits his old school for a Drum Workshop and winners of The Forest School Drum-Off competition

L-R: Jack Steggles, Tom Southon, Harry Gibbs and Tommy Elston.