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There was a palpable sense of excitement on the evening of 25 November as Lancing’s musicians got ready to showcase their talents in the Advent Concert – the first event of this scale since March 2020.
Concert Band opened the evening, once again showcasing Mr Dummer’s conducting students – Marnix Harman, Ben Krauss, Theo Almond and Jimmy Fan. They all showed mature control over the ensemble, and the players responded well to their clear direction. This was followed by Sinfonia who gave a long-anticipated performance of Into the Clouds! – a piece originally programmed for the marking of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2020. This energetic performance was contrasted by the lyricism and control displayed in Risk Everything for a Dream.
A Cappella Club performed an uplifting and lively set, showcasing Mr Langworthy’s arrangement of I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, before Honk! got us all in the Christmas spirit with their Jazz Christmas Medley. Big Band finished the first half of the concert with a varied set, showcasing the versatility of the performers – from Peter Harrison’s Pink Panther tenor saxophone solo, to the toe-tapping cheese of Gloria Estefan’s Morning Train.
The second half of the concert began with the sopranos and altos of the Choir giving a preview of two items from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, perfectly conveying both the pureness of There is no Rose, and the energy and drive of Adam Lay Ybounden. This was followed by the Flute Ensemble’s sparkling rendition of the Overture from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and the Trombone Choir’s festive performance of Christmas classics arranged by Dave Whitson. The String Chamber Orchestra then gave a spritely performance of the Allegro from Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, contrasted by the lyricism of Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise. The evening concluded with a performance from the Symphony Orchestra, expertly led by Grace Shearing.
They performed rousing renditions of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance no. 5 and Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances no. 3 and 8, before ending the concert in a festive spirit, inviting the audience to sing along to Silent Night.
The evening was a huge success and a celebration not only of the talents of the performers, but also the fun and excitement of a return to live concerts!
Emilie Harlow, Teacher of Music
For me and undoubtedly for numerous others, the Advent Concert was an immensely enjoyable evening. I had the chance to perform in five different ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, playing both the flute and piccolo for the exciting Hungarian and Slavonic Dances; Concert Band, with leadership by skilled student conductors; the Flute Ensemble on piccolo, in the first iteration of the ensemble since lockdown; A Cappella Club; and in the group of Lancing College Choir sopranos and altos. Between these, it was a privilege to hear music of other ensembles and the styles that they have well and truly made their own – I particularly enjoyed listening to the Big Band’s version of Sheena Easton’s 9 to 5.
Hannah C, Fifth Form
The Advent concert was a fantastic experience. I was involved with the Choir and A Capella Club. All the singers performed beautifully and the contrast between traditional choral hymns and modern songs rearranged for A Cappella was mesmerising. A particular favourite of mine was Silent Night with the audience singing along accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra. It was such a joyful moment that got everyone into the festive Christmas spirit.
Ally Y, Lower Sixth
I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to work and perform with talented musicians once again. From checking the total video views on Vimeo during lockdown, to watching empty rows being filled is just so different! I certainly enjoy promoting music in person to a live audience instead of performing behind screens.
Claudia W, Upper Sixth
The setting of the Chapel for the Concert was such a remarkable way to welcome back the Chamber groups since the pandemic. As a violinist, I performed in the Symphony Orchestra and String Chamber Orchestra. I also sang There Is No Rose and Adam Lay Ybounden from Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. There was a wide range of different styles of music, from jazz and pop to classical. One of the highlights for me was rising to the challenge of playing the first violin part for the Allegro from Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. I very much look forward to participating in the Lent Concert next term.
Amelie L, Fifth Form
The Concert was such an amazing experience despite happening under COVID circumstances. The outcome was undeniably fabulous. I was involved in six performances as a percussionist, and I really enjoyed taking part in of all of them. My particular favourite is Big Band since I get to improvise with the keyboard on the set!
Kevin N, Lower Sixth
Published Nov 2021