Karl joined Rock It in 2020. Our association went back a number of years, but I could never have hoped that one day, Karl would have wanted to join our small, independent company.
His impact on our team and quality of teaching was almost immediate. Karl gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues at Rock It, with his tireless enthusiasm and admirable work ethic. Whether in schools, or in support of his colleagues, nothing was too much trouble for Karl.
Before too long (and despite lockdown restrictions due to the Covid pandemic), Karl became one of our managers. We all looked to him for guidance on our curriculum in those early days and he was generous beyond words in his manner and kind disposition when sharing information with others. His versatility shone through and we found ourselves with a colleague who knew a great deal about a wide range of musical topics. From orchestral suites to world music, Karl had knowledge and practical expertise that was hard to fathom, but a pleasure to share in and witness.
Karl graduated from Birmingham University. His first instrument was trombone, although he taught himself piano and drums to a very good standard indeed.
As a musician, he toured Europe with the BJ Big Band, playing a wide variety of music, from mainstream jazz, to big band swing and many things in between. As a mark of his versatility, whilst Head of Music at a local secondary school, he staged and directed productions of We Will Rock You and Grease, while still finding time to direct a school; choir. Versatile, talented and enthusiastic, to say the very least.
We all miss Karl. His untimely passing has left a void within our company and our hearts. We all have our own special memories of a great, upstanding gentleman. To me, he was a fabulous wing-man, always there when I needed him and never hesitating to tell me if he thought I was getting it wrong. I miss our weekly catch-ups on Fridays when we would discuss the week past and plan for the week ahead. During our last such chat on Friday, 18th November 2022, Karl seemed a little tired. I told him to go home to his lovely family, Alicia his wife of twenty years and their teenage girls, Keirah and Orlaith.
Karl passed away on Tuesday, 22nd November.
We have decided to sponsor an award in Karl’s name to be given each year moving forward, that we, in some small way, can remember the kind gentleman, friend and colleague who did what we all set out to do – make a difference.
We honour his efforts and continue his good work.
John