A Musical Lineup 2019-20

The school year got off to an exciting start with the Year 7 concert. After only a few weeks in Senior School the new Year 7 students produced a high energy performance, singing a selection of songs from the hit musical ‘Matilda’. The concert also featured soloists on a variety of instruments playing music from many different styles and genres. It was an excellent first public concert from our youngest students in the Senior School.

The second half of the Autumn term was extremely busy and featured a whole host of different musical events. These included the Recital Evening, Old Girls’ Lunch, the Armistice service and the Autumn concert. The highlight of this term was an extremely exciting opportunity for the Middle School Choir. During November, the choir were invited to perform at the Girls’ School Association annual conference which this year was held in Bristol. As part of the conference the Middle School Choir sang at St Mary Redcliffe, as part of the conference service, performing an anthem and leading the hymns. After a quick dash across Bristol and a short rehearsal, the choir then performed for the delegates as the evening’s entertainment at the Gala Dinner. Performing to a room full of headteachers could have been quite intimidating but the choir showed no signs of nerves, giving an outstanding performance. A particularly moving rendition of ‘Be Still My Soul’ was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. All the girls involved were a credit to the school and the musicianship they displayed far exceeded their age and experience. With the end of term fast approaching, rehearsals started in earnest for the Christmas season. The traditional Ceremony of Carols was a moving service at which the Middle School Choir, Senior Choir and Chamber Choir sang beautifully. The choirs led the congregational singing with vigour and performed a variety of songs from across the seasonal repertoire. The end of term was greeted with the whole school in full voice, finishing with the uplifting ‘Adeste Fideles’ to send everyone home for the holidays in excellent spirits. The new year started with the annual Music Festival, featuring a programme bursting at the seams. Performances came from pupils across the senior school and covered a variety of different classes. Two full days of performances were followed up by the prize winners’ concert in the Great Hall at which some incredible talent was on display. Our Head Girl, Lucy Stiles, was awarded the Carter Cup and Millie Ashton (Y11) received the Most Promising Musician award. Although at the time we had no idea, the Music Festival ended up as the last ‘live’ performance event of the academic year. Since ‘going online’ we have been getting used to a new way of music making. Although our expected calendar of events for the Spring and Summer terms came to an abrupt end, students across the Girls’ Division have continued to make and share music. The Year 7 and 8 Celebration Evening at the end of the summer was an online event this year. Students from across both year groups submitted performances in advance, producing excellent results. The staff in the music department have been amazed by the dedication and perseverance students have shown to their musical studies whilst working under lockdown. Having said that, we finished the year very much looking forward to getting back to rehearsing and performing as soon as we can.

Mr Lovatt, Director of Music