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This term’s marathon of musical events continued into the last week of term with two concerts, the first of which took place on Tuesday 19th March, showcasing the many bands at the College. As well as the two biggest (or at least loudest) ensembles – Big Band and Concert Band – there was a solo set by singer-songwriter Hannah W, featuring a beautiful and moving original song, “Frame It!”. Two fabulous rock bands gave us some well-known toe-tappers, covering songs by artists from Amy Winehouse to the Arctic Monkeys. Many thanks to Mr Worley for coaching these bands to such a high standard.
The Concert Band had a wonderful repertoire of uplifting items for everyone to enjoy, led not only by the charismatic Mr Dummer, but also by two student guest conductors who took the podium: Theo A, conducting “Woodicock” from English Folk Songs by Ernest Tomlinson, and Enoch L, conducting Holst’s Second Suite for Band. We look forward to seeing more pupils taking up this exciting challenge in the future! Other items included some arrangements of much-loved songs by Gershwin, arranged by Mr Dummer himself, and the timeless masterpiece that is the Thunderbirds theme.
Big Band’s exciting line-up rivalled the Concert Band for well-loved favourite tunes, including the theme from Fame and – for a complete contrast – “Can’t Take My Eyes off You”. Special mention goes to all the soloists – Eddie A, Howard L, and Chris C, who took on the vocal line on the piano so that the band could perform the wonderful “Dancing the Night Away” by one C Langworthy in the absence of their vocalist.
Well done to all the performers, and to the staff who made this exceptional event possible, including Mr Hutchings (and son) on sound, Mr Jones, who was sightreading all the drum parts for Big Band, and members of the music department who coach these fantastic groups every week: Mr Dummer, Mr Whitson and Mr Worley.
Dr J Hartley
Head of Academic Music