Summer Sounds Senior School Choir Middle School Choir Philharmonia

Summer Sounds

Despite the distinctly ‘un-summery’ weather outside, Philharmonia set the positive atmosphere for the evening, with their lively renditions of two well-known but extremely contrasting pieces – the James Bond Theme and Tckaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Although we could not quite stretch to the typical fireworks in the final section, the performance was definitely full of energy and memorable!

There were many fine solos and duets during the evening. Performing is of course, an integral part of being a musician and it is such a pleasure to see our girls’ confidence and musicianship going from strength to strength throughout the year. Without exception, they performed with poise and conviction. (It is certainly very humbling as a teacher, putting oneself back in the learning situation and being reminded of how much it takes to perform - I am constantly striving to keep up in our horn trio!). It was a good opportunity for girls in the Music GCSE group to perform – performing is ultimately worth 30% of their coursework marks.

The Senior Choir were delighted to sing two famous numbers by Elton John and Eric Clapton and it was fabulous for them to be joined by Steph Greed and Charlotte Smith on the drum kit and bass guitar, to make their performances even more atmospheric.

The Middle School Choir rounded off the evening with great enthusiasm and aplomb and particularly enjoyed giving an encore performance of their ‘cabaret’ song with actions! It was lovely to see the audience singing along with both choirs. As ever, I would like to thank Mrs Maby and my team of Visiting Music Teachers who contributeso much to making evenings such as this such a success.

Mary Lowles

Philharmonia
This was a lovely opportunity for the younger musicians to have a chance to play in a ‘big band’ and the result was a very rousing to the evening.

Alice Herrington - Soprano
One of the leading sopranos in the school sang this very impressive rendition of the modern song - ‘Business Girls’.

Hannah Boxall-Hunt and Ellie Grange
Violin Duet
Their performance of ‘Brindisi’ from Verdi’s opera, was upbeat and enthusiastic with great dynamics and harmonies.

Julia Owen - Flute
This piece was captivating and really displayed Julia’s musicianship and ability.

Hannah Boxall-Hunt - Violin
Hannah delivered an exciting and dynamic piece, which truly showed off her talent and incorporating complex rhythms and fingering.

Charlotte Mackenzie - Piano
This lyrical Gymnopédie was played effortlessly and sensitively by one of the school’s most talented pianists.

Naomi Fuller and Miss Sarah Dean
Saxophone Duet ‘Spanish Relic’ was played with expression and elegance throughout and it was great to hear the contrast between the soprano and tenor saxes.

Charlotte Smith - Piano
This difficult Polish Mazurka was played stylistically and with energy.

Alice Herrington and Holly Hayman
Alice and Holly sang this beautifully, putting real emotion into the words of this very popular and lyrical piece with enchanting harmonies.

Middle School Choir
‘Cabaret’ brought a cheery, light touch to the end of the evening, even provoking an encore!

Senior Choir
Their version of ‘Tears In Heaven’ was moving and ‘Your Song’ captivated the audience.

Rebekah Norman-Walker Violin
This was a lovely Scottish folk song played skilfully and capturing the lyricism of the piece.