The Music Department's Mr Allum rounds up music news from this half of term.
A hugely busy half term began with the fantastically entertaining Families and Friends Concert, featuring some lovely collaborations from current and Old Westbournians, along with some rather nervous mums and dads! A week later and the Millennium Hall was packed to the rafters for the School Concert, again featuring some impressive performances with children from across the school taking part.
The school’s festive season began with the atmospheric Advent Carol Service in Boxgrove Priory. Always a moving occasion, the Chapel Choir were on fantastic form with carols by Praetorius, Willcocks and Archer taking centre stage. A couple of weeks later saw the Chapel Choir venture to the centre of Chichester, via Pizza Hut(!), to sing carols for Christmas shoppers. A large crowd, including several OWs, gathered to listen.
The Junior and Middle School Carol Services were both uplifting occasions, with the Juniors paying tribute to the soldiers of WW1 in a moving story and rendition of Silent Night in both German and English. The Junior Choir performed Rutter’s Carol of the Children beautifully, and there were some exceptional readings. In the middle school service, there were impressive performances of A Maiden Most Gentle and I saw three ships whilst several Year 5 pupils read their own poems reflecting the Christmas story. The Senior Carol Service once again took place in Boxgrove Priory, with the Chapel Choir leading the music. Moving performances of Michael Head’s The Little Road to Bethlehem and Britten’s This Little Babe were augmented with audience carols and readings in a service which left everyone feeling well and truly in the Christmas spirit!
