Thomas Shelbourn

Biography

Thomas Shelbourn is a passionate and experienced educator, leader and musician based in Norfolk.  He studied at the Royal College of Music, graduating with a 1st class Bachelor of Music Degree with Honours and during this time he co-founded the recorder trio 'Equalateral', winners of the RCM Historical Perfomance Prize, who have also performed at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace and Aberdeen Youth Festival.  He is a recorder and tuba player as well as an organist, pianist and baritone.  Thomas continued his studies specialising in Music Education at University College London Institute of Education and graduated with a Masters in Music Education with Distinction.  He has worked in schools in London and East Anglia as a music teacher for over 10 years, as well working as a freelance music teacher.  

Thomas is an experienced Musical Director and has also led numerous successful high profile events and ensembles, including the Chapel Choir at Ipswich School, leading Evensong at Worcester Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral and Bury Cathedral as well as organising and being responsible for the management of the Choir on tour.  He has conducted many ensembles including the Heart of Kent Orchestra, Maidstone Baroque Chamber Orchestra ('The Baroque Stop'), and various youth orchestras and chamber groups.  

In September 2022 he was appointed Head of Music at Ormiston Victory Academy in Norwich and since then he has already built a brand-new and thriving Music Department and appointed a team of seven visiting music teachers, with over 60 music lessons taking place each week, along with a number of ensembles.  He has been recognised for his ability to develop music curricula to promote progression and for providing a breadth of inclusive enrichment opportunities, particularly in finding imaginative ways to engage students who might not otherwise have the chance to access and engage with music.  Thomas is particularly passionate about this and nurturing a love for participation in music for all is what drives him.  

Thomas is really looking forward to be taking up the post of Orchestral Manager of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra and continuing its longstanding traditions of enjoyment, engagement and excellence.  Nurturing the long-lasting personal and musical growth that NCYO members experience and making sure that as many young people as possible across the county have the chance to benefit from this very special opportunity is very important to him.  He is looking forward to working with the community and team who support them so wholeheartedly and to being part of Guildhall Young Artists Norwich.