Congratulations John
Well deserved John. This award recognises your committment and hard work to teaching and the school. Although I have been to many concerts at the school each one is different and fresh. Good Luck with the national competion. Sally
Posted: June 13, 2008 at 10:06 AM | Author: Sally Fairweather
Outstanding
As a Governor and as a Parent and as a member of the local community - "thank you", "well done" and "congratulations" for this recognition that is richly deserved
Posted: June 13, 2008 at 11:06 AM | Author: Derek Twine
Well Done!
Dear Mr Powell,
Congratulations on receiving such a prestigious award and so richly deserved in light of your long standing commitment to teaching music at Davenant Foundation School. It goes without saying that everyone is proud of your achievement.
God bless
Julie Khan
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 13:06 PM | Author: Julie Khan
Thoroughly deserved, congratulations!
Many congratulations from a former pupil (1977) and now a Dav' parent - thoroughly deserved and you haven't changed a bit!
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 13:06 PM | Author: Mark Tisi
Well done !
It's difficult to imagine that any other teacher could have made a greater contribution, influenced more pupils, or been more respected.
(but with the finals on BBC television........buy a new tie !!)
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 13:06 PM | Author: brian revell
Congratulations Mr P !
Congratulations! I look back on my time at Davenant very fondly, and music was the biggest contributing factor to my happy time there. An amazing teacher, it's time you had this recognition!
Nick.
ps - thanks for teaching me guitar by the way!
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 14:06 PM | Author: Nick Tisi
Well deserved!
Well done John. I remember my stage crew days and the musicals I was in very fondly. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award. Congratulations!
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 15:06 PM | Author: Phil Simmance
Bravo Maestro !
John, I am delighted to hear that you won this prestigious award. That is a great achievement for you and Davenant school. Congratulations and good luck for the National award. Rock on !
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 15:06 PM | Author: Bruno Berry
Thoroughly deserved!
You taught me music 33 years ago and have now taught & inspired my 2 boys. A Passion for music,attention to detail and more extracurricular hours of dedication than any teacher I have ever known. A shining example of teaching. Don't quit now! My daughter's coming in September! Phil Joiner
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 15:06 PM | Author: Phil Joiner
Congratulations
Well done on this John- thoroughly deserved! Have many really good memories from music at the school ('76 to '83)- formal and informal- ranging from St. Paul's Cathedral to lunchtime jam sessions with everything in between.
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 20:06 PM | Author: Paul Tisi
Remarkable Commitment
We have always enjoyed the concerts we have attended at Davenant, and marvelled at the sheer number of pupils who so obviously enjoy performing, and the range of musical talent displayed. John, this award is richly deserved for the commitment and hard work that you have shown for so many years that has inspired so many young musicians. Congratulations.
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 21:06 PM | Author: Dominic Stinchcombe
Well overdue
Wow! I was only thinking this morning how grateful I am that you gave me the key to the piano so I could sneak in at lunchtimes and write! You encouraged me and helped me find my own space and I am sure many other people would say the same. Congratulations!
Posted: June 20, 2008 at 21:06 PM | Author: Neil Saye
Excellent news!
Congratulations John on winning this award. Thoroughly deserved for someone who has maintained his enthusiasm and continued to inspire over the years. Not an easy thing to do!!
Posted: June 24, 2008 at 22:06 PM | Author: Jenny Berry
A good boss too!
Dear John, I was delighted to hear that you had received this well deserved honour. I have such happy memories of teaching the flute for you at Davenant, your infectious enthusiasm and commitment to the students and staff set a high standard for us to follow.
Posted: July 1, 2008 at 15:07 PM | Author: Enid K Walsh (nee Hughes)
'A legend' !
Delighted that you have been recognised in this way. Thank you from the whole family (Elliot, Lauren and Marcus) for the many wonderful musical memories you have given us. We will miss the concerts, tours and productions more than any other aspect of Davenant. In the words of the boys you are 'a legend' !
Posted: July 2, 2008 at 16:07 PM | Author: Pauline Weaver
Congratulations
Well done John. You deserve every award that you get. Many thaks for all you have done at Davenant over the years. I am most greatful for all that you did for Marjory who continues with her voice training and hopes to do a Post Grad performing course in 2009
Posted: July 6, 2008 at 17:07 PM | Author: Colin Huckle
Well done.
I was in Richard Ts.form.1971.You taught me geography for a year.You gave that subject up.I was terrible at music but you were patient and created a percussion group inwhich us useless lot could at least enjoy playing something.Thanks and well deserved.I am now a GP in Leics.
Posted: July 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM | Author: Pete Newstead
The master of music
Well done dad, you deserve this award more than anyone! As a clear witness, I don't know anyone who has put as much effort and commitment into their job as you.
Posted: July 19, 2008 at 22:07 PM | Author: Olivia Powell
Congrats!!
Well done John. Great to hear that all your hard work and dedication is being recognised.
Good luck with the national competition!
Posted: July 22, 2008 at 00:07 AM | Author: Rachael Robson
You must be bursting with pride.
Well done John - to get all of these lovely praises. Must have a pint or 2 soon.
Posted: July 23, 2008 at 08:07 AM | Author: Geoffrey Artley
Fantastic!
I have been privileged to see the results of your teaching for the last three years at the various Davenant concerts. "Outstanding" and "breathtaking" are well deserved accolades. Good luck on the next step!
Posted: July 24, 2008 at 11:07 AM | Author: Russell Eubanks
You deserve the highest award
Although my son did not manage music very well he did achieve an ambition to be in one of the drumology performances which meant a great deal to him. Thank you for that but also for the amazing music I have enjoyed whenever I have attended. I have always been so impressed and the faces of the children taking part said it all - such pride in their achievements. Well done and I truly hope you win the award - you deserve it.
Posted: July 24, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Author: Margaret Cowley (nee O'Grady)
What a star! Recognition well deserved
Congratulations, your inspirational teaching style, encouraging positive attitude, strong organisational and leadership skills acknowledged at last. Next stop PM? Keep up the good work!
Posted: July 24, 2008 at 13:07 PM | Author: Mike Hill
Many congratulations
As parents (and grandparents) of a pupil at Davenant for 3 years now, we have been astounded by the enthusiasm and commitment of Mr Powell, the example and encouragement he gives to the students and quality of the many concerts organised and co-ordinated by Mr Powell. A well deserved award for a dedicated and hard-working teacher - well done!
Posted: July 24, 2008 at 14:07 PM | Author: Keeling Family
Star teacher
Congartulations John on such an outstanding achievement. There is absoulutely no doubt that you deserve this award and we wish you every success in the finals. Your contribution to the education of thousands of pupils in Essex and beyond has been outstanding over so many years and we are all exteremely proud of you. Well done and good luck in the finals.
Posted: July 24, 2008 at 16:07 PM | Author: Philip Elgar
Fantastic!
Such a great achievement and so thoroughly deserved! Thanks for all the musical memories you gave me in my time at Davenant & for all my 2 boys have experienced through your hard work and the brilliant team you have developed over the years!
Posted: July 24, 2008 at 20:07 PM | Author: Martin Huff
YAY
go sir you are the best whoo!!! over my six years at dav you have been an inspiration to me and a lot of my friends!!! we're all backing you sir!!!
Posted: July 24, 2008 at 22:07 PM | Author: Nicole Percy
Fantastic
As a new parent and school governor I went to a concert, not expecting too much and remembering my own days of creaking school orchestras. How wrong I was! I wanted to come back every night and I was so amazed to see the sheer joy of all of the performers. So well done John and I hope to enjoy many more musical events with you, your team and the school in future.
Posted: July 25, 2008 at 00:07 AM | Author: Mike Hicks
Many congratulations
My son came to Davenant in Y12. Sam has had more opportunities to play music with others in one year than the 5 years he spent at his previous school, and we have been so impressed with the school concerts. Thank you Mr. Powell.
Posted: July 25, 2008 at 09:07 AM | Author: Tracey Grant
Much deserved!
A real inspiration, not just to the students but to the many people who help and support the music programme; my 2 boys have defintely benefitted and look forward to more to come.
Posted: July 25, 2008 at 11:07 AM | Author: Richard Gibson
Congratulations
My son started Davenant last September which was daunting for both him and us. He loves to sing and being allowed to participate in the school choir by Mr Powell has enabled him to gain in confidence and perform in the Christmas and summer concerts to a standard I have never seen him achieve before. Thank you and I look forward to many more memorable evenings.
Posted: July 25, 2008 at 15:07 PM | Author: Katie Robinson
Well done!
Well done sir!
I hope you go right up to the top and win!
I wish you lots of luck (not that you need it).
And I do hope you do well.
You deserve it!
Posted: July 25, 2008 at 16:07 PM | Author: ----------------------------------------------
100% Deserved!
Sir, throughout my 7 years at Davenant you have been a true inspiration to myself and my friends. Your outstanding commitment to making music accessible and interesting for us, the students, has been overwhelming and was perhaps the main factor as to why I was in school choirs for 7 years! I remember the days of school band, school choir, music tours and musicals with fondness and some of the best times of my school years. You truly deserve this award! Congrats!
Posted: July 25, 2008 at 17:07 PM | Author: Sarah Young
Well done Maestro!
A lovely, kind and generous person to work for, I was honoured to work for you and the total 100% commitment you give to your music and the passion to pass that on to students well done again to your much deserved recognition to your passion for music and teaching
Posted: July 25, 2008 at 20:07 PM | Author: Liz Evans
congratulations
Dear John,
Davenant is, indeed, a very special place and this is in no small measure due to the staff. Your contribution has been exceptional and long may it continue! All the very best in this competition, you deserve to win.
Posted: July 26, 2008 at 07:07 AM | Author: Andy Neale
Fond memories
John Powell is as deserving of this accolade as any teacher I can think of. Dedication and commitment as well as being a general good sport throughout my time in GCSE and A Level music. I fondly remember him binging out ancient yellowed parchment notes he had clearly been reading off for 20 years or more in our A Level music lectures, showing he was as good then as he is now! I don’t remember many teachers from my days at DFS, but Mr. Powell will always be remembered and treasured by me and my class mates who enjoyed his lessons and extra curricular activities. Many congratulations Mr. P!
Posted: July 30, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Author: Matthew Pearce
Congratulations!
So very much deserved! Congratulations Mr P. I remember all the fantastic shows when I was at school. Particularly enjoyed watching Drumology! Davenant are so lucky to have you!
Posted: July 30, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Author: Jennifer Gray
Congratulations!
Congratulations Mr Powell! I can't express how much I enjoyed all the music at Davenant, this is very well deserved!
Posted: July 30, 2008 at 18:07 PM | Author: Karen Heath
Fully Deserved
How young does he look!
Great news he's been given the award - a great teacher / choir master, and a thoroughly nice chap outside school too.
Posted: July 30, 2008 at 22:07 PM | Author: Robbie
YOU DESERVE IT!
John
Congratulations on the award and with all your experience teaching the many hundreds of children that have gone and are going through Davenant, YOU DESERVE IT. You must be very proud and pleased with everything you have achieved at the school. My daughter has so far really enjoyed her time and experience in Davenant, but especially all the music activities she is involved in and the Tour to Lake Garda last year, which you organised (with the help of others). Once again, a big thank you and keep up the work - it is much appreciated by all!
Posted: July 30, 2008 at 23:07 PM | Author: Kathy Wood
Well done
Mr Powell, the time I spent in the various school choirs as well as the tours and concerts was probably the highlight of my time at Davenant. Everything said on this page is absolutely right and true and you deserve this citation and all the accompanying praise more than any other teacher I've met or heard of. Thank you and well done.
Posted: July 31, 2008 at 03:07 AM | Author: Simon Overton
Inspirational!
John, during my time at Davenant, I assumed that every secondary school had a concert for several nights, at several times in the year, and had numerous choirs, bands and orchestras taking part.
It is only since leaving Davenant and becoming a teacher at another school that I have realised more than ever the incredible efforts you have put into extra-curricular music over the years to ensure that the concerts go on. I still hear about them and they are still as professional and enjoyable as ever. Congratulations on your award...keep going as you will clearly be very much missed if you choose otherwise.
Posted: July 31, 2008 at 17:07 PM | Author: Matt Baker
Fantastic!
Finally a well deserved reward for all the work you've done! Playing in the music groups at Davenant were a highlight of my school life there and the music tour to Barcelona was amazing! We wouldn't have had those opportunities without you. I'll never forget singing Carmina Burana with the school choir in London - what an experience! And getting the chance to play Baritone Sax with the girls in 'Davenant's Fair Sax' group was excellent. You've been an inspiration to me as a teacher to encourage young children to play musical instruments and I feel very proud when they perform on stage - now I understand why you do it!
Well done and best wishes for the future.
Posted: July 31, 2008 at 22:07 PM | Author: Stephanie Barber
Fond Memories.
Looking back at my time as a Davenant pupil, it is my times singing in the school choir & playing drums in drumology that are most memorable...........but then there's also playing in the second band, school band, various rock bands as well as being in the stage crew. I guess there must have been something about music at Davenant that really struck a chord (no pun intended........well maybe slightly intended). 15 years on and I still sing and drum as much as I can.
Posted: August 1, 2008 at 05:08 AM | Author: Rob Huggard
Well Done!
Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award. We have attended wonderful Davenant concerts for 10 years. Last year's outdoor event at Copped Hall was a really memorable day. Thank you for all you have done.
Posted: August 2, 2008 at 11:08 AM | Author: The Redpath Family
True Commitment...
Having been a student at Davenant for 7 years and then worked in the Performing Arts Department there for 3 more years, I am proud to have called John my teacher, my colleague, and also a brilliant friend. From sitting learning about Rondo form in Year 9 to sharing a pint at 3am in the hotel bar on the Italian Lakes tour, John's irrepressible humour, dedication to the young people he works with and passion for bringing the joy of music to everyone he encounters has been a true inspiration. If anyone ever deserved this kind of award, it is him, but the best bit is that he never works for awards or recognition, but just to see young people fulfill their full potential as musicians and members of the community. Godbless you Mr. P...
Posted: August 2, 2008 at 17:08 PM | Author: Luke Lowrie
Very much derserved
Great talented man and an inspiration to all Davenant's finest musicians. Congratulations
Posted: August 2, 2008 at 17:08 PM | Author: Anna-Lyset Pleydell
Well Done
Well Done John. Thanks for teaching me music at Davenant.
Posted: August 3, 2008 at 18:08 PM | Author: Ben
Congratulations!
The music at Davenant is definitely something that I look back on with the greatest memories, you coordinated and inspired us all so well! You were a great teacher and I thank you so much for giving us all the opportunities that you did: those that come to mind are singing Carmina Burana in central London, touring Tuscany and all the amazing concerts. Now that I'm a teacher, I have an even greater respect for all the work that you did, and often tell other people about my experience of music at secondary school and they are also impressed!
Thank you so much!
Alison Roberts (McCaughren)
Posted: August 3, 2008 at 18:08 PM | Author: Alison Roberts (McCaughren)
Congratulations!!
Well done Sir! thoroughly deserved. I have great memories of singing in every concert possible and of the music tour to Barcelona.
You have helped to create some very talented muscians during your time at Davenant and may you help many more.
Well done and all the best for the future.
Posted: August 3, 2008 at 23:08 PM | Author: rebecca probyn
Congratulations
I really think you deserve this award. The music opportunities are great and inspiring. The concerts demonstrate the opportunities for all types of music and the talent within the school.
Posted: August 4, 2008 at 12:08 PM | Author: Amy. Jones
Congratulations Mr. Powell!
Wonderful news, I am so pleased for you. Having enjoyed all that Davenant had to offer in the way of music, I can't think of anyone who deserves this more than you. Thanks for getting my sax out of the music cupboard on a saturday morning many a time for WIld SIlk concerts!!
Posted: August 5, 2008 at 20:08 PM | Author: Sarah Greenaway
Selfless Commitment
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award. Your enthusiasm and commitment to the students are an inspiration to students and parents alike. My house may vibrate to flutes, saxophones, the piano and drums but listening to your concerts makes it all worthwhile. Thank you for passing on your enthusiasm to my children.
Posted: August 11, 2008 at 15:08 PM | Author: The Gittins Family
CONGRATULATIONS MR POWELL....
Thanks for being such a great teacher !! even though i did not like music that much and i was a pain u were one of my best teachers thanks..!!
Posted: August 13, 2008 at 19:08 PM | Author: Nicholas Wershof
SO WELL DESERVED!
Mr P, you truely deserve this award. You were an amazing teacher, and a true legend in every students eyes that ever graced the threshold of Davenent school. My life is certainly the richer for the effort you put into making the music department so amazing, with the support of Ms Hedben, Mr Houslow and the rest!!
You arean exceptional man, and it makes me proud to have been taught by you.
All the best for the future,
Laura Dennant
Posted: August 14, 2008 at 19:08 PM | Author: Laura Dennant
And about time too!
I hope you read these posts and take them in for what they truly are - genuine comments from people you've inspired over your many years at Davenant. You have no doubt shaped people's future - mine included - and earned their respect as a teacher to remember, a great achievement in such a gruelling profession. Thank you so much for your encouragement & commitment - long may it live! x
Posted: August 22, 2008 at 18:08 PM | Author: Lydia Cotton
So deserved
What more to say?!
Great job. So in awe.
And a fellow Welshman (albeit Newport!).
Very best wishes.
Posted: August 25, 2008 at 02:08 AM | Author: Emma Davies
the future
What really makes a teacher inspirational is the ability to fire pupils' belief and instill a-can-do attitude. My youngest son joins in September and through the concerts he has attended has become totally focused on drumming and singing--he is eager and excited about joining the school next week. What a positive way to start his secondary journey. Thank you Mr Powell (by the way, I have explained there are other subjects to be undertaken!)
Posted: August 28, 2008 at 20:08 PM | Author: marion coram-ware
Congratulations!
Many congratulations: a fitting accolade for a truly inspirational teacher! Pretty much all of my (very happy!) memories of my time at Davenant are music-related, and my experiences certainly encouraged me to continue music-making elsewhere!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Posted: August 31, 2008 at 21:08 PM | Author: Sophie Nicholson
Congratulations!
As a colleague for the best part of the last 20 years, I have born witness to your inspirational teaching and leadership. The extra-curricular opportunities you provide to students of all abilities are second to none. My own two children are benefitting from this commitment and, as a family, we are very grateful for what you do.
Posted: September 1, 2008 at 17:09 PM | Author: Julie Robinson
Our top man.....
John. It has been an absolute pleasure to know you both as a parent of three children through the school and a Governor of many years. The many events you have staged, your energy, enthusiasm and total commitment to the highest level or professionalism - you set the bar and we benefit. Thank you and we all hope you win again in the final.
Posted: October 9, 2008 at 14:10 PM | Author: Christine Baker
Wales is proud of you.
Well done John all of your family in Wales are very proud of you.
Caroline and gang.x
Posted: October 17, 2008 at 18:10 PM | Author: Caroline Harris
From Silver to Gold!
Looking forward to tomorrow, John, and hoping to see you receive the ultimate accolade for all the years of dedication and the countless opportunities you have given to the students at Davenant to make music. How wonderful to read all the tributes from students, parents, and colleagues - ample proof of the Powell Effect! Thanks for being a great boss, MD, and friend. May that gold Plato be yours - you richly deserve it!
Posted: October 19, 2008 at 02:10 AM | Author: Doreen Cooper
Congratulations
So pleased to hear you have been recognised for all the hard work and inspiration you provided over so many years. I was very disappointed not to see you on TV tonight receiving the overall prize! The music at Davenant was just amazing and something I will always remember as part of my youth. You deserve an award for the way you embrace both breadth and quality in so many types of music and arts. Thank you.
Posted: October 19, 2008 at 20:10 PM | Author: Katy Friese-Greene
Long overdue and very much deserved!
John Powell is an inspiring, and endearing man, a FANTASTIC teacher, and superb all round person. His effortless pursuit in all things musical, his focus and direction, and enthusiam towards the subject was a major inspiration to me as a pupil of his. Whilst my musical tastes were not, shall we say, his own personal favourites, his support was still unending. I still remember the day this little old (comparred to us!) white haired man walked into a heavy metal club surrounded by long haired, beer'd up neanderthalls waering leather and spikes, just to be able to mark my GCSE music exam report for a live performance!!!!!
His passion and dedication to extra curricular musical activities, such as the school concerts, music trips and plays, was undying, and along with Trevor and Anne, was part of the most influential and inspiring academic music team I have been blessed to be involved with.
A truely earned and deserved award, it's so nice to see recognition finally attributed. Congratulations and well done.
Posted: December 29, 2008 at 17:12 PM | Author: Matt Cowan
Extremely well-deserved
I recall as a young child my dad - Reg Thomas setting out the chairs for concerts at the school and the choir filled the stage, it was evident then that the Davenant school had a truely talented music teacher, you also taught me to play the piano and guitar. Thank you so much and well done
Posted: January 12, 2009 at 13:01 PM | Author: Clare Brockhurst
I was lousy at Music - but I loved your class
John,
Congratulations on a well deserved award. A a past pupil (83-90) You were certainly one of the highlights of the teaching faculty. Talented, enthusiastic and Passionate you always gave so much to your students even if - like me - they were utterly hopeless in all matters musical.
Best wishes and great job!
Matt
Posted: August 11, 2009 at 03:08 AM | Author: Matt Godson
