Name: Mrs Laing

School: Shireland Collegiate Academy

Instrument(s) played: Piano, Singing, Clarinet

Hobbies: I have my own theatre group, TheatreKidz Rowley, which I love as I get to teach Musical Theatre every week. I love a theme park, though I don’t really like the ‘big’ rides.

Favourite thing: Musical Theatre and spending time with my family.

Least favourite thing: Ironing!

Most interesting place you have performed: I performed as a dancer on a TV show back in the 1980’s called Daytime Live. I also performed at Disneyland Paris with my choir.

Best performance you’ve ever watched: Either Idina Menzel (Elsa in Frozen) or Lea Salonga (Voice of Mulan), both in concert at Symphony Hall Birmingham.

Which countries have you visited, and did you play your instrument: I have visited Spain, France, Austria, Cyprus, Zante, USA, Mexico, Dominican Republic and I performed in France and the Dominican Republic.  

What is your…

Favourite book/film: My favourite book is In Cold Blood by Truman Capote and my favourite film is Avengers End Game.

Favourite animal: Tiger or penguin (I got to feed both when I was a Zookeeper for a day at Dudley Zoo – it was awesome!)

Favourite place: On stage, doing what I love!

What instrument would you play, if you had to choose another one apart from your first instrument: If I had time, I would learn to play the cello as I have my grade 2, but I would like to get significantly better at it.

Any other interesting facts about yourself? I have an irrational fear of crocodiles and alligators, however since they are not usually seen in Smethwick, I feel pretty safe!

Message to Year 7 music pupils 

At Shireland, music is a huge part of the school and if you like music, there will be so many things to get involved in. We offer Music Scholarship lessons (where you learn to play an instrument), plus so many clubs and ensembles. From Choir to Wind Band, to Jazz Band to Music Club, there is something for everyone and we can’t wait to meet you and start you on your musical journey.