Making Music 2020-21

The Girls’ Division did not let the global pandemic stand in the way of making some wonderful music and sharing it with an audience of friends and family members throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Though in-person events were still curtailed by Covid rules for much of the year, the Music Department and young musicians worked hard to ensure that performances went ahead virtually. The Autumn term’s musical events were recorded in advance. The musicians were filmed individually in school and their performances were knitted together to be shared on YouTube. The Year 7 Virtual Concert was recorded after just six weeks in school and featured the Senior School’s youngest musicians showing the range of their talents. The Autumn Concert went ahead in the midst of Lockdown 2.0 and featured performances on the piano, violin and clarinet as well as singers. The traditional Ceremony of Carols in December is a memorable occasion every year. After a difficult and largely socially-distanced year, the Girls’ Division was determined to make it extra-special while maintaining Covid-safe protocols and so, for the first time ever, in 2020 the Ceremony of Carols became a drive-in experience! 75 cars parked in the Girls’ Division Quad, which had been decorated in stunning lights for the occasion, and spectators remained in their vehicles while the school’s socially distanced choirs sang through the open windows on B Corridor. Thoughtful festive readings and soloists’ performances took place outside. Traditions continued throughout this truly atmospheric evening with the Chamber Choir singing ‘Hodie’, the Accidentals performing ‘Jesus Christ the Apple Tree’ and of course the usual rendition of ‘Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar’. The audience was encouraged to join in singing the carols within their cars, and at the end they showed their appreciation with much tooting of horns and flashing of headlights! Although the New Year brought more restrictions, once again the Music Department rose to the occasion. An end-of-lockdown Spring Recital featured performances recorded at home by pupils in Years 7 to 13, showcasing the hard work of Girls’ Division musicians whilst away from school.

In the Summer term the school embraced new technology and for the first time in the Girls’ Division concerts were livestreamed via YouTube. The May Serenade featured three choirs, one ensemble and fifteen soloists: the winners of the Girls’ Division Music Festival 2021, which took place in April. This was a wonderful opportunity for the school’s musicians to perform for a live audience. The Years 7 and 8 Celebration Concert was also livestreamed in June with the girls singing an uplifting programme of pop hits and musical favourites to bring the school’s musical year to a close.

Music Festival Winners 2021

Millie Ashton Percussion Emily Bowden Middle School Wind Grade 5+ Grace Collings Senior School Voice Amy Costello Middle School Voice Caitlin Davies Middle School Wind Grade 1-4 Alice Edwards Senior Strings Madeleine Hornby Middle School Piano Grade 1-3 Summer Kay Senior School Wind Grade 6+ Cheryl Khoo Middle School Piano Grade 1-3 Estelle Pass Senior School Piano Grade 5+ Sofia Riaz Middle School Piano Grade 4+ Emma Seddon Senior School Wind Highly Commended: Lily Ma Middle School Wind Grade 5+