A hugely busy half term in the Music School began with final preparations for the School Concert. All of our ensembles took part: the Orchestra began proceedings with Rock around the Clock and Soul Bossa Nova (otherwise known as the theme music from Austin Powers!); the Senior Choir partnered with the Drum Group in two songs from Moana, whilst the seventy-strong Junior Choir had everyone’s toes tapping with a performance of The Disco Beat. The string players of the school performed Evening Calm before grabbing everyone’s attention with John Ryan’s Polka, whilst the Brass Ensemble played Sousa’s Liberty Bell.
The marching band began the second half of the concert with a distant drum beat before entering the hall in military fashion to perform Three’s Company, whilst the Chapel Choir impressed with three beautiful folk songs. There were also a number of enjoyable solo performances: Xander (trumpet) performed Glen Miller’s Tuxedo Junction, Hazel (piano) played La chevaleresque by Burgmuller, Sarah (viola) performed Barcarolle by Offenbach, and Hebe and her grandfather performed two traditional dances in arrangement for flute duet. We were also treated to a thrilling performance of Kovacs’ Hommage a Manuel de Falla by our clarinet teacher, Gordon Curtis. The concert concluded with a brilliant performance of The Cranberries’ Zombie by the Rock Band!. Congratulations to all those involved in the concert for a splendid evening’s entertainment.
The November Performance Platform featured some lovely performances, particularly from those who were preparing for forthcoming exams. These informal gatherings are a great opportunity for children who have been practising hard to perform in a supportive, less pressurised setting. Generally, their instrumental teachers will put their names forward to perform, but if your child has been singing or playing a piece at home of their own accord, please do let us know and we will happily arrange an opportunity to hear them perform it, be it to their classmates in a lesson, or just to some friends at a breaktime!
One of the highlights of the musical year is the Advent Carol Service, held at Boxgrove Priory. The church is transformed from darkness into light as words and music usher in the season of Advent. The Chapel Choir were on fine form and it was wonderful to see a full church enjoying this special occasion. This service also marks the beginning of the choir’s busiest few weeks of the year. From singing carols at nursing homes and providing music to Christmas shoppers in Chichester, to the final event of the term, the Senior Carol Service back in the Priory, the choir works exceptionally hard and we are always very proud of their perseverance and good cheer - well done to you all! Mention must also be made of the other school carol service, featuring all pupils in Years 3-6 which was held in the Millennium Hall. It was wonderful to see over 180 children singing carols and enjoying bible readings and poems, joined by a full hall of parents. Moments to cherish!
Continuing the Christmas theme, a big ‘pat on the back’ firstly to our brass players and Chapel Choir, who braved the elements to play and sing carols at the Cross, raising money for local charities, and secondly to our string players who came together during the last week of term to play Reindeer on the Rooftops with Mrs Peskett and Mr Bridgmont – it sounded splendid and you can see the recording below.
Lastly, it was a joy to see pupils in Year 6 having a brilliant time on stage in their spectacular production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! The singing was great, acting superb and the dancing was spectacular! A particular well done to Monty, Evie, Hebe and William in the main roles and to the whole cast for a hugely entertaining evening, and of course to Mr Cousens, Mr Allum and Mrs Baxendale for putting it all together.
Next term sees our Inter-Patrol music competition swing into action, featuring ensembles from each patrol and the patrol singing competition, all of which will be held on the evening of Thursday 9th February at 6.30pm. Rehearsals for this will take place from the first week of term and the songs this year will be Downtown, famously recorded by Petula Clarke, and The Monkees’ I’m a believer, most recently used in the film Shrek – it’s never too early to get learning those lyrics!
Easter term highlights for your diary
| 20th January | Music Scholars’ Concert – 6.30pm |
| 23rd February | Chapel Choir Recital at Portsmouth Cathedral – 1.10pm |
| 24th February | World Music Workshops and Performance – 3.45pm |
| 1st March | A Spring Soiree (Music for two pianos – Alex Dichmont and Richard Allum) – 7.30pm |
| 10th March | Maurice Ellis Music Scholarship Auditions – 2.30pm |
| 22nd March | Chapel Choir Concert at Boxgrove Priory – 7.00pm |
| 26th-30th March | Chapel Choir Tour to Rome |
We hope you enjoy this recording of our string players in the Prep school performing Reindeer on the Rooftop by Peter Martin.
Violin and viola teacher, Mrs Peskett, said: “It was so lovely to get everyone together like this and help the children, especially the younger ones, realise the joy of playing music together as an ensemble.” What a lovely way to start the day!