This term’s eagerly anticipated Advent Concert did not disappoint, with performances from the Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, Concert Band, Big Band, Honk!, Flute Ensemble, Trombone Choir and Bassoon Trio as well as choral music from the A Cappella Club and the sopranos and altos of the College Choir.
Hannah C writes: '‘This year’s Advent Concert was perhaps more colourful and musically exciting than ever. It was amusing to watch some audience participation with the ‘huh!’ moments in The Wellerman, famous from TikTok, of which we played an arrangement on the flutes; and, later, when Mr Mason invited the audience to join in singing the last verse of White Christmas. I will always remember that verse – it felt so momentous, particularly after these years of lockdowns and separation, to fill Great School with music, joyous voices and happy faces. Between my appearances in the concert, I was able to enjoy Honk! from the audience, who delighted us with their perfectly navigated rendition of The Twelve Tunes of Christmas. The Big Band’s wondrous programme was made memorable, as has become tradition, by Mr Dave Whitson’s thoughtful commentaries before each item; of course, it ended with the notoriously comical Neutron Dance.’
The String Chamber Orchestra gave the first performance of a new work The Gift of Amber composed by Upper Sixth Former Jimmy F specially for the concert. Jimmy said ‘It has been an absolute pleasure to see my first proper orchestral composition performed at the concert. I look forward to composing more works for fellow pupils and teachers to perform in future concerts.’
Kevin N, Upper Sixth, thought that the concert sounded magnificent, and he particularly enjoyed the Christmas songs with the audience’s involvement. For Third Former Isaac H this was the first experience of performing in a concert featuring all the main Lancing ensembles. ‘I was thrilled to have the opportunity to perform in Great School on two of my instruments, as well as singing. I enjoyed the variety of repertoire and playing in the premiere performance of Jimmy’s expressive and masterful composition.’
Veteran Benjamin I-C, Upper Sixth, enjoyed playing in the Concert Band, Big Band, and Symphony Orchestra in this year’s concert. Benjamin also sang with the Sopranos and Altos of the Chapel Choir. ‘We had an exciting range of repertoire – a personal highlight being the excerpts of Benjamin Britten’s enormously powerful and enchanting Ceremony of Carols. There was, of course, the obligatory Christmas moment from the Symphony Orchestra as we enthusiastically accompanied the audience in the singing of White Christmas.’
We look forward to many more concerts and performances in the Lent Term.
One of the highlights was rising to the challenge of playing the first violin part of Sibelius’s Finlandia. It was truly thrilling to be playing such a magnificent piece in Great School.
Amelie L, Lower Sixth
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Located in the picturesque South Downs of West Sussex, Lancing College is a leading independent school and sixth form for pupils aged 13-18. Founded in 1848, the co-educational English private school is home to both boarding and day students and has a longstanding reputation for traditional values and exemplary pastoral care. Contact us today to begin your journey.