It was terrific to see so many pupils involved in our Ensembles Performance, with all age groups from Year 3 to Year 8 represented. The concert had been postponed from last term but we had decided to keep the original Christmas theme, resulting in an abundance of tinsel, coloured lighting and a lovely festive atmosphere.
Ten of our 12 (soon to be 13, with a new String Ensemble due to start next week) school ensembles performed in the concert, with much variation of musical styles. The Chamber Orchestra and Reed Quartet opened the concert with two movements from Peter Warlock’s ‘Capriol Suite’. This was followed by a very effective arrangement of Nat King Cole’s ‘Brazilian Love Song’, played by the Percussion Ensemble. Two guitar ensembles, the Training Orchestra, and other woodwind ensembles continued, and the concert finished with three spirited numbers by our Big Band.
Several of our peripatetic teachers conducted or played alongside their own ensembles, providing an extra boost to the performances, so our thanks go to them – and, of course, to all our pupils who showed tenacity, respect and humility by performing so enthusiastically and confidently in front of an audience.
