Third year Biomedical Science student David Durojaiye has immersed himself in the Keele musical community over the past two years.

The lead of classical choir Keele Voices and a member of Keele Philharmonic Ensembles (KPE) since January 2024, this academic year David has also been elected to the roles of Show Choir Chair, Jazz Band Treasurer, and Keele University Music Union Secretary. Discussing his various roles, David said, “I’m responsible for overseeing the choir, leading rehearsals in the absence of our conductor, teaching vocal parts, and collaborating with the orchestra for joint pieces in preparation for our concerts. My experiences have taught me leadership, time management, conflict resolution and the reward of hard work, especially under pressure. I love what I do, and it never feels like a chore.”

David is busy preparing for two concerts coming up next month. On Saturday 7^th December from 7pm in the Chapel, he will be taking part in a concert with Show Choir, alongside Keele’s Brass Band and Symphonia Orchestra, before performing with Keele Philharmonic Ensembles on Saturday 21^st December at 7pm in the Chapel.

Before coming to Keele, David had already taken part in several high-profile musical performances. He sang in the Commonwealth Choir for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 90^th birthday celebration, at the swearing-in ceremony for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in Southwark Cathedral, and sung a solo for Princess Anne and Prince Michael of Kent at St Martin-in-the-Fields as part of the Admiralty Carol Service.

Coming from a musical family, David started piano lessons when he was six and started playing acoustic guitar a few years later. In his first year of high school, David stepped into the choir to sing at a school concert, and it was “the sensation of performance with a choir instead of just me on my own” that led him to becoming a full-time member. David then performed through the Chapel and Chamber Choirs, becoming Deputy Head Chorister and performing at St Paul’s Cathedral – twice! As his passion for music increased, David then started taking music lessons in piano, singing and the saxophone.

On arriving at the University, David found that he could pursue his love of music even further. He said, “During my first year at Keele, I learnt to play the flute and in my second year, I also picked up the piccolo, trumpet and tenor horn. Last year, I was a member of Keele Philharmonic Ensembles, Brass Band, Show Choir, Acapella, Flute Choir, Symphonia Orchestra, Jazz Band and Concert Band, as well as Acting Musical Director for Show Choir and Jazz Band Treasurer. I’ve performed in a multitude of concerts during my time at Keele and had numerous solos; both singing and playing the alto saxophone and flute.”

David’s commitment and dedication to a vast array of musical clubs and societies saw him win the ‘Above and Beyond’ award at the 2024 Society Awards earlier this year. He said, “I’m privileged to work closely with both Keele Voices and Keele Philharmonic Ensembles, and value the collaborative environment KPE fosters. I’ve made lifelong friends through the society and am very optimistic for this academic year.”

David’s positivity for the social aspects of student life is matched by his positivity for his course. He also volunteers as an Academic Student Ambassador for the School of Life Sciences, taking prospective students and their parents on campus tours during Open Days. He said, “As an Ambassador, I can showcase our university and give an overview on both academic and student life. I also assist in setting up the laboratory for taster sessions and teaching potential students some lab skills and techniques. I share my enthusiasm for Keele and provide an insight into our Life Sciences program to show what life for future students will look like, which is very fulfilling.”

As well as undertaking work experience in a mental health ward and a dental clinic to ‘seek a greater understanding within different disciplines in healthcare’, David volunteers at Douglas Macmillan Hospice working with dementia patients. He said, “From helping run games sessions to transporting patients, I provide an optimistic environment for carers and patients. I’ve learnt to communicate clearly with dignity and respect, conveying complex information to people with impaired speech.”

David’s passion for caring for others and supporting them during a difficult time in their life is also shaping his future career path. Following his graduation, David hopes to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and is in the process of applying to medical school through graduate entry. He said, “Becoming a surgeon is an aspiration I’ve had for a while, and I’ve always found the heart fascinating. I want to make a real difference to people’s lives and navigate patients through their treatment by performing challenging operations that require skill and poise. I believe I have the teamwork, resilience and empathy skills needed to be a great surgeon.”