The traditional end of year concert featuring performances from all the major ensembles was an event of high-quality enjoyed by a large audience in Speech Hall. With over one hundred pupils taking part, and a variety of music of all genres, the annual Christmas Concert is a popular and invigorating way to begin the festive season. The Symphonic Wind Band performed two movie themes to start the concert; their rounded tone and rhythmic precision a notable feature under the baton of Dave Eaglestone. The Brass Ensemble are an advanced group who entertained with songs from the 1930’s, and with the addition of two new Lower Sixth trumpeters they have matured into an ensemble who play with real style. Andrew Thomas took the baton for the Orchestra, who performed two contrasting pieces; Purcell’s Rondeau from Abdelazer and the theme from Children of Sanchez, highlighting how this largest ensemble can be flexible in its choice of repertoire. The School choir joined the orchestra for A Christmas Festival; a joyful romp through a medley of festive Carols.
Kevin Weaver led and directed the String Orchestra in Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A minor, with Lina Mazzone proving an accomplished second soloist amongst a refined group of relatively young and inexperienced string players. The string orchestra provided refined accompaniment throughout, allowing the clarity and precision of the solo parts to shine through. The Big Band closed the concert with an energetic and exciting set of standards featuring notable solos from Henrique Gabriel, Reuben Anelay, George Chilcott, Bashy Slater and Tom Hills. This band has matured into a cohesive and polished ensemble under the direction of Dave Eaglestone, and their palpable sense of fun on stage was apparent to all. A final collaboration between the band and the choir in Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas brought the concert to a suitably warm conclusion!
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