News & Info > Congratulations to Alana Brook Congratulations to Alana Brook ​Congratulations to Alana Brook, Milton Abbey’s Organ Scholar and Resident House Tutor in Hodgkinson, who has been made an Associate of the Royal College of Organists (ARCO). Alana took the playing and written exams during January 2017 and received the good news over Half Term. This qualification is internationally recognised as the gold standard for organists and is a fantastic achievement for Alana who has been at Milton Abbey since September 2015. The exam involves two three-hour written papers and a practical exam. The first paper includes chorale harmonisation, fugal techniques and 16th Century counterpoint, and the second paper includes aural tests, two historical essays and some general organ knowledge. The playing test involves playing three pieces, as well as keyboard tests including transposition, score reading, improvisation and sight reading. At Milton Abbey, Alana plays the organ for the weekly services in the Abbey, teaches music to all year levels and conducts the concert band. She also works as a Resident Tutor in the girls’ boarding house, known as Hughies, and as she says, there’s never a dull moment with 60 plus girls around!