The death of former music teacher Hugh Turpin (M 83-13) has affected many people, and some of the tributes we have received follow.

John Rowlands (M 78-08) has contributed the following.

“Hugh Turpin would never have stood accused of being enslaved to petty orthodoxy. Trivia such as meticulous timekeeping, sartorial elegance, paperwork, or insistence upon following petty rules and regulations for their own sake were never part of his make-up. But what he did have – and which made him such a valued member of the School House tutorial team – was a deep and genuine interest in the wellbeing of all with whom he had to do, and an ability to get along with people of all backgrounds, views and attitudes. He was a conspicuously kind, sociable and affable man.

The house routine on a Thursday evening might often have been described as relaxed, but never (quite!) disorderly, and the boys responded very positively to Hugh’s gentle and thoughtful encouragement and guidance, freely shared over copious amounts of toast in the old house kitchen.

Hugh’s musicality and teaching abilities are no doubt well documented elsewhere and by people of appropriate musical standing. But what struck me very forcibly was his willingness, even determination, to use music to foster confidence and a sense of achievement in those many of us entirely devoid of innate musical ability. (The Grindal/School House pantomime was a perfect illustration of this. Hugh backstage at the piano, in the dark, music everywhere, and the current score illuminated only by the glow of his cigarette, balanced precariously on top of the instrument!) Boys and girls who had hitherto never sung a note in public were persuaded and enabled by Hugh to do that and more in ways that they would never have believed possible – quite literally ‘to find their voice.’ Nor was there any snobbishness about Hugh’s interest in and love of music. Classical, rock, folk, choral, military band (his appearance in army uniform would probably have provoked little unease in the Kremlin!), he could turn his hand enthusiastically to whatever the situation required and make all those involved feel that they were doing something fun, worthwhile and valuable.

In short, Hugh’s abundant humanity was as important in all his relationships as his music, and for that, generations of pupils, colleagues and friends have reason to be for ever grateful.”

 

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St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

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