Music Calendar - Summer Term 2023

Music Events Summer Term 2023

Welcome to Music,

Summer Term 2023

The summer term is always a special time at Clifton. With luck we will be celebrating the end of the year with a BBQ, dance flashmobs and performances from many musical ensembles outside on a glorious evening. Inside the Chapel we will be able to enjoy performances from outstanding young musicians accompanied by a professional orchestra. The Arts Evening on 29th June is definitely not to be missed!

There are of course many other events before that: some informal, some big occasions - Commem for Pre-Prep, Prep and Upper - and some exciting Tuesday Arts Club events with musicians from the Pop and Jazz worlds.

This is to be my last term as Director of Music at Clifton, and while I am excited to be moving on to a new role elsewhere I will miss the wonderful music here. Long may it continue - I know it will!

Dan Robson Director of Music

Upper - Junior Kadoorie Cup Competition

Upper - Chamber Music Concert

Friday 28th April - 5.30pm-7.30pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

The wonderful singers and instrumentalists of Year 9-11 compete in the first part of this annual event. It is a really enjoyable concert with the added bonus of an adjudication from a visiting musical expert at the end - please do come and support!

Tuesday 2nd May - 7.30pm-9.30pm

Bristol Music Club, 76 St Paul’s Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP

A wonderful programme will include the famous Mendelssohn octet with eight string players, and a piano trio, as well as top music scholar soloists and a our oboe quartet. This promises to be an evening of dazzling music making, not be missed!

The venue is the historic Bristol Music Club, situated near College at 76 St Paul’s Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP.

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

£5 ticket charge on door, cash and card accepted

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Upper - Senior Kadoorie Cup Competition

Upper - Music in the Crypt

Friday 5th May - 5.30pm-7.30pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

The second section of the annual competition for soloists (both vocal and instrumental) is for 6th form musicians. Always a highly enjoyable evening of quality music, with the benefit of some encouraging and informative words from a visiting adjudicator.

Thursday 11th May - 7.00pm-9.00pm

The Crypt, located underneath the College Chapel

The final crypt night of the year will see a wide variety of pop offerings from upper school students - expect soloists, bands, covers, new material… always a great night and the last for our leaving pupils!

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Prep - Informal Concert

Tuesday 16th May - 4.15pm-5.15pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

Children from Year 4 to Year 8 of varying ages and experience perform to friends and family - expect a wide variety of genres and instruments!

Pre-Prep - Commem Concert

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Thursday 25th May - 1.30pm-2.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

An opportunity to hear our Pre-Prep musicians perform a wide range of music. Enjoy whole class String sessions with our children in Year 2, relive your recorder experiences with our amazing Year 3 and enjoy performances from our brave young soloists.

Part of Commem event for parents and pupils

Prep - Commem Concert

Friday 26th May - 1.30pm-3.30pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

An opportunity for all our Ensembles to perform a wide range of music - String, Brass, Guitar and Wind Ensembles as well as Orchestra, Swing Band, Junior Choir and Pop Groups!

Upper - Commem Concert followed by Music in the Marquee

Friday 26th May - 6.30pm-7.30pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

This Classical Spectacular will feature the College Orchestra alongside top upper 6th soloists in music from a wide range of genres. This is always a magical and emotional evening in a packed Chapel, and attendance is strongly recommended.

Afterwards we move to the marquee for House Dance - always great fun! Top tunes from the Soul Band; refreshments will be available.

Part of Commem event for parents and pupils

Part of Commem event for parents and pupils

Upper - Commem Chapel Service

Upper - Tuesday Arts Club: Chris Buck Guitar Masterclass

Saturday 27th May - 9.00am-10.00am

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

The annual Commem service with choir and instrumentalists is a special occasion; please await ticketing info from HoMs or SLT as regrettably not all parents can fit into the space.

Tuesday 6th June - 6.30pm-8.00pm

Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET

“That first moment of being able to replicate what was coming out of my old man’s stereo had a huge effect on me. I knew right then that I wanted to be a musician” admits British guitarist Chris Buck.

Chris now finds himself atop the iTunes and Amazon charts with his new band’s debut album, having been voted ‘Best New Guitarist’, ‘Best Blues Guitarist’ and ‘Best Pop Guitarist’ by the readers of Guitarist Magazine. Come and see what all the fuss is about in this hour long demo!

Part of Commem event for parents and pupils

Free to attend for pupils, parents and staff, otherwise £10 on door

Please email drobson@cliftoncollege.com to reserve tickets

Pre-Prep - Guitar and Ukulele Concert

Prep - Summer Music Concert

Thursday 8th June - 4.15pm-5.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

This concert provides an opportunity for our Guitarists to demonstrate their talents. We have many Guitarists across Year 2 and Year 3. Mrs George, our Guitar teacher, teaches across all three parts of the college and is very busy! There will also be a guest appearance from our Ukulele group!

Tuesday 13th June - 6.15pm-7.30pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

An evening dedicated to our most talented musicians from the Prep School.

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

By invitation only

Pre-Prep - String Concert

Wednesday 14th June - 4.15pm-5.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

This concert is a chance to showcase our hard working String players. We are delighted to have 3 cellists in the Pre-Prep at the moment alongside many Violinists who have lessons with Mrs Gittings and Mrs Hall. Come along and hear them play.

Pre-Prep, Prep & Upper Guitar Concert

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Thursday 15th June - 6.00pm-7.30pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

A truly cross college event, come see and hear guitarists from Year 2 to 6th form.

Solos and groups will perform their talent on classical, acoustic and electric guitars!

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Pre-Prep - Clarinet, Flute, Drums and Cornet Concert

Upper - Tuesday Arts Club: Jazz Night

Tuesday 20th June - 4.15pm-5.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

This concert is an opportunity for you to hear some of our amazing musicians playing our more unusual instruments. We are lucky enough to have an amazing range of instruments being played in the Pre-Prep at the moment. These children work very hard every week in their individual music lessons and are looking forward to performing to an audience.

Tuesday 20th June - 6.30pm-8.00pm

Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET

Clifton College instrumental tutors Jim Blomfield (piano), Ben Waghorn (tenor saxophone) and Nick Malcolm (trumpet) join forces with Mark Whitlam (drums) and Riaan Vosloo (double bass) for a concert of repertoire by some of the great composers and players from the jazz lexicon. Collectively these five musicians have played alongside some of the biggest names in UK jazz as well as appearing at countless venues and festivals throughout the country.

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Free to attend for pupils, parents and staff, otherwise £10 on door

Please email drobson@cliftoncollege.com to reserve tickets

Pre-Prep - Piano Recital

Wednesday 21st June - 4.15pm-5.00pm

Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET

We are lucky enough to be invited to the Upper School to play in their very special Recital hall. We have many talented pianists in the Pre-Prep. You are very welcome to arrive early for a cup of tea and a tour of the amazing facilities.

Prep - Sister Act Junior

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd June - 7.00pm-9.00pm

Saturday 24th June - 6.30pm-8.30pm

The Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE

Come and see our Year 8’s perform Sister Act Jr! This uplifting Broadway Junior show will have you raising your voice to the rafters!

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Upper - Spotlight Concert

Friday 23rd June - 5.30pm-7.00pm

Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET

An opportunity for soloists and smaller chamber groups to show what they have been working on in the term, ahead of grade exams.

Upper - Britton Organ Recital

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Wednesday 28th June - 1.40pm-2.30pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

To celebrate the support of the Britton Trust, we host a lunchtime concert featuring the whole range of Upper School pupil organists in music from Grade 2 to Diploma. The large-screen video will enable you to see the organists’ hands and feet in close-up details at the console!

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Upper - Arts Evening, including the Summer Serenade Concert

Pre-Prep - Hoodwinked

Thursday 29th June - from 5.30pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

5.30pm-6.15pm and 7.15pm-8.00pm Summer Serenade Concertos

6.15pm-7.15pm Drama, Music and and Art events

From 8.00pm Jazz in the Crypt

A wonderful summer’s evening in College featuring drama on multiple stages, dance flashmobs, BBQ, drinks and music outside the Chapel. Inside Chapel we have a professional orchestra accompanying our senior scholars in wonderful concerto performances. Overall, not to be missed!

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Thursday 29th & Friday 30th June - 6.00pm-7.00pm

The Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE

Come and see our Year 2 and Year 3 children perform Hoodwinked, a modern and witty musical adaptation of the story of Robin Hood.

Free to attend

Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff

Upcoming Upper House Recitals

Our early morning recital series is a wonderful way to start the day! Come and hear 20 minutes of music from a talented upper school musician - could be any age or instrument, but they are always most enjoyable.

• 27th April 8.20am - Ellie Weston (flute) and Becca Hills (clarinet/voice) - Joseph Cooper Music School

• 11th May 8.20am - Mitch Turner (drums) and Scolly Scott (horn/piano) - Joseph Cooper Music School

• 8th June 8.20am - Miu Puntoomsinchai (drums and music technology) - Joseph Cooper Music School

• 15th June 8.20am - Felix Willis (guitar) - Joseph Cooper Music School

• 22nd June 8.20am - David Chan (cello/guitar) and Ben Ross (violin/piano)- Joseph Cooper Music School

Free to attend

Open to all parents, students and staff

Pre-Prep Fun Friday Sing

Every Friday the Pre-Prep comes alive with the sound of music. All Nursery and Pre-Prep families are welcome to come and sing together with Mrs Gillam in the Pre-Prep Hall.

• 21st April 8.00am - 8.25am

• 28th April 8.00am - 8.25am

• 5th May 8.00am - 8.25am

• 12th May 8.00am - 8.25am

• 19th May 8.00am - 8.25am

• 26th May 8.00am - 8.25am

• 9th June 8.00am - 8.25am

• 16th June 8.00am - 8.25am

• 23rd June 8.00am - 8.25am

• 30th June 8.00am - 8.25am

Free to attend

Open to all parents, students and staff

Music Scholarships 11+, 13+ and 16+

Clifton College has a strong musical tradition, and the study of music is an integral part of the curriculum.

We offer pupils a unique opportunity to achieve academic distinction and personal excellence. Each year, we offer a number of Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries to individuals with that spark of potential. Talented musicians are encouraged to apply for a Music Scholarship whatever their instrument.

There are scholarships at 11+ for entry into Year 7, 13+ for entry into Year 9 and at 16+ for entry into Year 12. These scholarships are merit based and competed for via examination, audition or other appropriate assessment.

Previous Music Scholars have gone on to study music at Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and other conservatoires; others have been members of award-winning close harmony groups and recorded their own albums.

The Scholarship programme aims to enable pupils to pursue music to as high a level as they wish. Some will look to study music beyond Clifton and aim to go into the music profession, whereas for others it is a wonderful way to relax and achieve something of real value alongside their academic studies. We look to help all musicians individually achieve their goals, whatever they might be.

Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholarship 16+

In 2012, Sir David Willcocks announced his generous commitment to a new sixth-form organ scholarship in his name at Clifton College. A partnership with Bristol Cathedral was established to augment the role, and the inaugural Willcocks Scholar was appointed in 2013. Holders since then have won organ scholarship places at several Oxbridge colleges as well as at Hereford Cathedral.

A 32-foot extension of the Pedal Ophicleide reed at Clifton College was installed in autumn 2017, and a CD recorded by Regent Records of the College choirs with pupil organists and brass was recorded in 2018 to celebrate this addition.

This 16+ post is for a sixth-form entrant, running for two years. Candidates may also jointly apply for the 16+ academic scholarships. The successful candidate will receive support from the Sir David Willcocks Trust as well as the opportunity to apply for generous means-tested funding towards either a boarding or day pupil place, which could be as much as 100% of fees and free instrumental lessons.

Find out more information at www.cliftoncollege.com/upper/ admissions or please contact: Mr Daniel Robson, Director of Music, Clifton College: drobson@cliftoncollege.com / 0117 3157 247

Directions to Venues

Prep Music Department: Top Floor of Merry House, Clifton College Preparatory School, The Avenue, Clifton, BS8 3HE

Prep Hall: Clifton College Preparatory School, accessible from the Avenue, Clifton, BS8 3HE

Pre-Prep Hall: Clifton College pre-Preparatory School, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

Chapel: Access to Chapel either through Memorial Arch, opposite 32 College Road BS8 3HJ or from Reception on Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

Joseph Cooper Music School: Located on Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET

The Crypt: Located underneath the Clifton College Chapel, accessible from the Sports Field side

The Redgrave Theatre: Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE

On street parking is available for free after 5pm.