Music

An extravaganza for the ears!

The music department has had the most amazing year.

It has been wonderful to have normal concerts with appreciative audiences and the children have given of their all. The Friday concerts, under the direction of Mr Arkwright have produced some outstanding performances, both individual soloists and small ensembles. What an experience for the children to perform in such a fantastic venue, the Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School, and a huge thank you to Mr Henderson for being so supportive and accommodating. The Michaelmas concert gave us an opportunity to highlight our superb choirs, orchestra, and instrumental ensembles. There was great hilarity when a certain percussionist ‘pushed’ me out of the way as I was playing the marimba so badly! The way the children connected with each other for the smaller ensembles was just a joy to experience. They all played without a conductor and used their eyes and ears to communicate showing great maturity and musical awareness.

The services in the Abbey are always a highlight and this year has been no exception. The choirs always rise to the occasion, and I think the Carol Service was one of the best ever, finishing with an extraordinary brass flourish. It’s always exciting when staff get involved, and this year was so special with so many of the academic staff joining the Chamber Choir in some wonderful repertoire. The Easter Service was equally beautiful with magnificent soloists from year 6 and exquisite singing from the Chamber Choir.

The main highlight must be the Last Night of the Proms concert which took place in the impressive Grandsen Hall, Sherborne Girls’. Mr Jenkins could not have been more helpful and enthusiastic - thank you. Our own talented

children were joined by Old Preppers, visiting music staff, staff from Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls’, parents, friends, and family. To produce something of this quality at a Prep School was quite an achievement. It was a huge collaboration and to have an orchestra of nearly 100 musicians was one of the most thrilling moments of my career. It was quite an emotional evening especially with the performance of Nessun Dorma by Jordan Berry - simply outstanding.

We have had exceptional Associated Board and Trinity Music Exam results as well as Grade 5 theory results this year. The children work so hard for these external examinations and their determination and dedication shines through. We must thank the parents for their support, without this, the children may not have the impetus to continue. As we come to the end of the year, we have the Summer Concert to look forward to as well as the Commemoration Service. These will showcase all our groups and choirs and I hope for the majority of the school to be involved in both events. My time at Sherborne Prep has been an absolute blast and I will miss everyone very much. Thank you to the staff, parents and especially the children for making my time here so thoroughly enjoyable. I wish everyone the very best for the future and I have been privileged to work alongside some superb musicians. Over and out.

The Michaelmas

concert gave us an opportunity to highlight our superb choirs, orchestra, and instrumental

ensembles.