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Charles Sugden
Rev Charles Sugden, MA, ATCL, the son and grandson of headteachers, was educated at Bilton Grange and Radley College, where he obtained a Music Scholarship. At Magdalene College Ca...view moreRev Charles Sugden, MA, ATCL, the son and grandson of headteachers, was educated at Bilton Grange and Radley College, where he obtained a Music Scholarship. At Magdalene College Cambridge he read History BA Honours before embarking on a PGCE at the same university. His first teaching post was at Denstone College in Staffordshire where he taught History in the classroom and flute to individual pupils. His musical experiences have been many, from youth orchestras to city orchestras, always undergirded by the experience of his father's example of enjoying chamber music in the family home.
His flute teachers included David Butt (principal of the BBC Symphony Orchestra) and his cello teachers have included Joan Dickson and Pamela Hind O'Malley (the latter a pupil of Pablo Casals). Of his own teaching ability, two past cello pupils have written :
"We got on very well and he took me right back to the beginning, playing simple pieces along with scales and arpeggios and many exercises in fingering and bowing to improve my technique. He encouraged me to join an orchestra which helped to boost my confidence. He was a stern teacher but always made the lessons fun. In the three years that he was teaching me I progressed from playing simple tunes to Bach and Beethoven. Many years later I am still playing in the orchestra and will always be grateful to Charles for getting me started again." Jenny Manley
"Charles gave me a good start when I had lessons with him as a complete beginner (fairly late in life!) The technical side of cello playing was taught with thoroughness which led to the ability to make musical sounds. Encouragement to achieve went alongside patience and understanding." Alison Francis
In 1992 Charles was ordained priest in the Church of England, and he has combined music and ministry in every post he has served in. For 17 years he has been honorary chaplain to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Charles is married to Kath and has 2 children. His current post is Rector of Frenchay and Stapleton parish churches in Bristol Diocese.view less