Music teacher marks 60th birthday with concert

Tamsin Scammell said playing music was a better way for her to celebrate than a party or holiday

A music teacher has marked her 60th birthday by holding a public concert with family and friends.

Tamsin Scammell played the violin and organ at St Andrew’s Parish Church in Rugby on Tuesday, the day before her landmark birthday.

Ms Scammell told those gathered she wanted to celebrate by playing music, which made her feel her happiest.

“I have met most of my friends through music,” she said.

Ms Scammell told the BBC she began playing the violin aged eight, adding it became a means of escape.

“The goodness of music” had been central to her life, she said, explaining she loved performing at the Tuesday Lunchtime Concert (TLC), which she had also done previously.

“It’s lovely to have people to play to and to play music. It’s better than having a party really," she said.

Ms Scammell was planning to spend the day of her 60th birthday busking in Rugby town centre for charity.

The town had a thriving arts scene, Ms Scammell said, and she helped publicise activities through a Facebook page called Music and Performing Arts Events in Rugby.

Ms Scammell, who has taught music in schools and now teaches privately, played duos with friends during the concert, and her ballerina daughter Amy also gave a dance performance.

The audience sang Happy Birthday to Ms Scammell at the end of the concert.

Ben Jennings organises events for the Church Street venue

Ben Jennings, the church's community engagement leader, said the TLC events attracted about 40 to 50 people, including many regular attendees.

He said other events there included monthly candle-lit concerts, which aimed to attract diverse music styles.

The next one on Saturday 26 July would feature didgeridoo players, he said.