We were pleased to welcome back World Music expert Jim Bernadin to lead workshops for Y3-5 on the music of China, India and South America. It is wonderful to see the childrens’ enthusiasm whenever Jim returns to school and the smiles on their faces at the end of the day are always a joy to see. This year, the children learnt about the festival of Holi in India, the dragon dances of Chinese New Year and the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. Instruments ranged from drums to bells to tambourines, not to mention the ever-popular gong! Parents who came to see the afternoon performance were even tempted to join in, creating a Samba carnival rhythm all of their own.
Mr Allum said, “It’s always great to have Jim with us. He has such a passion for music which the children never fail to find infectious! On top of that, he manages to pull together brilliant performances with just an hour’s rehearsal – amazing!”
One Year 4 pupils said, “The music was so nice, wasn’t it? It sounded so good. I played the small cymbals to the sound ‘ching’ and do you know they play the big gong every hour in China?”
“The Indian music had a beautiful, flowing rhythm,” another Year 4 pupil added.
This half term’s Performance Platform was a lovely event featuring those new to performing and some other more advanced musicians. Pianists were very much in focus, with Freddie (Year 4) performing The Detective, Hazel (Year 5) performing Bartok’s Teasing Song and Alice (Year 8) giving a poised rendition of Granados’ The Evening Bell. The only non-pianist of the evening was guitarist Molly (Year 6), who performed the James Bond Theme.
The viola is the lesser known member of the string family but is very much part of the musical life at Westbourne House. At last weekend's Chichester Music Festival string classes, viola players William (Year 8), Sarah (Year 7) and Lucas (Year 5) all won their classes with outstanding classifications. Congratulations to them all!
In scholarships news, we were also very pleased to hear that William has been awarded a Music Exhibition to PGS following his audition earlier this term, along with flautist Meme (Year 8) who was awarded an all-rounder scholarship to St John’s Southsea.
The Chapel Choir continue to work hard in preparation for their forthcoming tour to Edinburgh and are sounding fantastic. In that regard, there are two fundraising events next half term: the first is a piano recital given by Mr Dichmont and Mr Allum at Bignor Park, the home of former Westbourne parents Lord and Lady Mersey, on Friday 4th March at 7.30pm. This event is now sold out but if you would like to be added to the waiting list for tickets please email the music school – music@westbournehouse.org. Likewise, if you have reserved a ticket and are now unable to attend, please let the music school know. The second is a concert given by the choir at Boxgrove Priory on Wednesday 23rd March at 7.00pm which will feature a full preview of Chapel Choirs tour program. Tickets for this concert are £10 (£2 for children under 14) and it is advisable to book in advance. All tickets can be added to the school bill if you prefer.
Other events of note next half term are the Performance Platform which takes place on Thursday 10th March at 6.30pm. The Junior Choir Concert on Tuesday 22nd March at 3.45pm will feature performances from the choir along with a few solos from children in Year 3 and 4.
Our Music Scholarship auditions take place on Friday 11th March. If you wish your child to be considered, please email admissions@westbournehouse.org. Likewise, if you know of anyone outside of the Westbourne House community, who you think might be a potential candidate, please do let them know.
ABRSM exams will take place on 14th March and Trinity exams on the 22nd March.
Finally, we thought you might enjoy this clip from our weekly Pre-Prep Live. Musicians from the Prep School visit Year 1 in the Pre-Prep to introduce their instrument, answer questions, play a piece from their repertoire and inspire the next generation.
