Making music

“The sound of the collective human voice touches the heart like no other instrument.” – Sue Horrocks

Since arriving in the Cayman Islands in 1992, musician and teacher Sue Horrocks has dedicated her life to children and the community. She has immersed herself in music for all ages and occasions, last year receiving a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours for her contribution to the arts.

“I was amazed and very humbled,” she says. “It was not something I ever imagined I would be worthy of. Once I got used to the idea, I felt I was somehow part of making history, being in the King’s first-ever honours list.”

In fact, many might say that it was Sue, herself, who has been making history in Cayman with the numerous musical initiatives and events she has organised and led.

TEACHING

She first taught at Cayman Prep, after qualifying and teaching at Cambridge University in the UK.

“I came as a music teacher and have taught music across the age ranges – both classroom and instrumental; I wear two hats,” she says.

Here, she co-founded Cayman Prep school band with music teacher Alison Beak. They were determined to raise the profile of music and get students to a standard where they could enjoy all the positives of playing in an ensemble.

After 25 years teaching all primary school subjects, Sue moved to St. Ignatius where she was appointed deputy head of primary school, and was also head of music for all classes. In January 2023, she took up her current role as principal at Hope Academy.

CAYMAN NATIONAL CHOIR

Sue is well-known with her work with the Cayman National Choir, having taken over as musical director in 1998.

“I heard that they couldn’t find a new director and that it may have to fold if they couldn’t get someone to do it,” she says. “I gladly took it on as I couldn’t see the national choir stop.”

As part of her music degree, Sue had trained as a choral singer and conductor. “I was fortunate to sing under Sir David Willcocks and Stephen Cleobury in Cambridge,” she recalls. “Both had been director of music of King’s College Choir, and they also directed Cambridge University Chorus.

We sang in some amazing venues: Royal Festival Hall (in London), The Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford. My favourite, though, was singing the mighty Symphony No. 8 by Gustav Mahler at the Royal Albert Hall (London) under the baton of Sir David Willcocks.”

CAYMAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Sue was also instrumental in forming Cayman National Orchestra in 2002.

Previously there had been a small string ensemble called Cayman Strings, which sometimes accompanied Cayman National Choir alongside musicians brought in from Florida.

“I decided we had enough talent on the island and so founded the Cayman Chamber Orchestra, which grew, and I asked the then governor permission for us to be named Cayman National Orchestra,” says Sue.

Among the many community endeavours that the choir and orchestra have been involved with over the years is raising money for Cayman’s hospice services. Sue worked closely with Dr. Ginny Hobday and Liz Walker to organise the first of many ‘Voices for Hospices’ concerts; an event which happens biannually. And she composed a piece for the choir and orchestra called ‘Acceptance’ based on the last of the seven stages of grief.

“We also presented themed nights at various restaurants – a Celtic night and a classical night, to name but a few.” says Sue. “The restaurants prepared set menus to match the theme and we played whilst guests dined.”

They have also performed at occasions spanning the breadth of community life, from small functions to state events.

OTHER ENDEAVOURS

Sue is also involved with Cayman Arts Festival in which she has prepared musical programmes for the finale concerts, and collaborated with visiting musicians and conductors from the UK.

As well teaching, and her work with the choir and orchestra, Sue herself plays a number of instruments. “Flute is my main instrument,” she says. “I also play piccolo, piano, Baroque recorders, guitar, ukulele. I used to play the violin and a bit (only a bit) of soprano sax, alto sax, clarinet and oboe. I also really enjoy playing orchestral percussion, but I am no expert.”

Sue has played at many fund-raising occasions for charitable organisations such as the Pink Ladies, The Pines, Jasmine and other good causes. She has also acted, directed, musical directed, or played flute in more than 30 productions by Cayman Drama Society.

“I was raised to put service over self,” she says. “Performing in an ensemble for the sole purpose of music-making, aiming to enhance a charitable or community event, brings huge satisfaction and intrinsic reward.”

And Sue considers each concert a privilege to conduct and enjoys every choral occasion. “The sound of the collective human voice touches the heart like no other instrument,” she says.

This article originally appeared in Compass Media’s CayWoman newspaper supplement.