Aoki, now in Year 12, has been a pupil at Portsmouth High School, GDST, since nursery.
She performed her first original composition, There is Another Sky, at the recent Gala Concert held in Portsmouth Cathedral.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Aoki has achieved Grade 4 in cello and Grade 5 in piano and is currently working towards Grade 6. In Year 7, she received the Miss Jewell’s Music Award for her commitment to the Symphonic Orchestra. She has since been awarded Music Half Colours for her ongoing contribution to the school’s music department, including singing with Cantabile since Year 11. Her musical journey has taken her on school tours to Amsterdam, New York and Sicily.
Beyond school, Aoki plays drumkit at her local church, teaches a marching drum band, and performs widely with Portsmouth’s Drum Corps. Her passion for composing began in Year 7 when she first experimented with music software for a homework task. Inspired by the creative possibilities, she has spent much of her free time since then composing and exploring different musical styles.
After entering a composition competition in Year 10, Aoki was commissioned to write There is Another Sky for Portsmouth High School’s Gala Concert in February 2026.
I caught up with Aoki a few weeks’ after the Gala concert.
Where did the piece There is Another Sky come from?
Mr Tinsley [Director of Music, Portsmouth High School] pitched writing an original piece to me suggested finding a poem that resonated with me. I chose Emily Dickinson’s poem, There is Another Sky, because I felt it would sit well with the rhythms and melodies that I was humming to myself; from there, the ideas just flowed.
What came first when you were writing the piece?
The voices from the poem, sung by the choir, were the first pieces that fell into place. Then came the piano to add more texture.
Where did your love of music come from?
I started playing the piano at about 5 years old, persuaded by my Mum. Then I took up the cello when I was 9. Drum playing was self-taught; I saw a marching band at a campsite when I was on holiday. Mr Tinsley heard my snare drum beat and said it was ‘really good’ and invited me to join Portsmouth High School’s symphonic orchestra.
Normally I only sing in the shower or washing the dishes but I was a part of winning the Talent Show this year so I’ve gained more confidence in signing to an audience.
What did it feel like when you performed at the Cathedral with your own piece?
It felt surreal! To hear everyone around me singing something that had been in my head was totally cool.
Who are your favourite composers?
My favourites are definitely Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Probably Prince of Egypt is my favourite piece by Hans Zimmer.
Next steps Aoki?
I’m taking maths, chemistry and music for my A Levels next summer. I would love a career in engineering as I really enjoy putting things together; but music will definitely be incorporated into my life beyond Portsmouth High School.
