Examiner: CHRISTINE EDMUNDSON, U.K.

BMus (Hons) MBA PGCE LRAM ARCM Christine was born and spent her childhood in the Isle of Man. She is very proud to be “Manx”, although she is now based in the cathedral city of St Albans in Hertfordshire, England. She graduated in Music from Royal Holloway College, London University, where she was an alto choral scholar, subsequently studying as a postgraduate at Cambridge University, where she held a choral award at Jesus College as a soprano! Her vocal tutors were Marjorie Thomas (Royal Academy of Music), Gordon Clinton (Royal College of Music and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire) and Deborah Miles - Johnson (Royal Opera). In addition to her vocal studies, Christine studied piano with Rosemary Conry (Royal Academy of Music) and Julian Jacobson (Royal College of Music and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire), gaining her piano teaching diploma from the Royal College of Music. Until recently she undertook recital and oratorio work as a mezzo soprano soloist with local choral societies and choirs, with her final engagement being Aaron Copland’s “In the Beginning” with the conductor Simon Joly. As Director of Music at LVS in Ascot, she represented co-educational independent schools on the UK national committee of the Music Masters and Mistresses Association, before moving into educational management as Deputy Head at The Royal High School in Bath. As Headteacher at Palmers Green High School she retained an active involvement with music, directing the String Ensemble and commissioning new pieces from composers Andrew Parnell and Brian Moles for the school choirs. She currently divides her time between conducting, singing. teaching and voluntary work in the UK and in the Isle of Man. As Founder and Musical Director of the choir, Lyra Davidica, she directs their annual summer singing weeks, when the choir is in residence in a UK cathedral, singing daily services - most recently in Canterbury Cathedral, Truro Cathedral and York Minster. She also regularly directs singing courses for Voces Insulae, an Isle of Man based chamber choir, which has appeared at the Mananan International Festival and at Peel Cathedral. Christine began examining for the ABRSM in the 1990s and is an examiner for the new ABRSM teaching diplomas. In addition, she is an educational consultant and trainer. As a Fellow of the Girls Schools Association, she takes a keen interest in education and is a school governor. When she is not engaged in musical or educational activities, Christine enjoys walking, gardening, entertaining and sometimes playing her viola in amateur ensembles. She is greatly looking forward to her visit to India.