Year 7 Music Showcase

This showcase is the culmination of the Year 7 instrumental project – this sees every student in the year-group learning an instrument over the course of Year 7, and every year some choose to continue playing their instrument the following year.

The first Violin group performed Hoe Down and Under the Coconut Tree, and they were able to demonstrate a strong, rich sound. Not only were they able to bow with confidence, but they also tackled some challenging rhythms. Next Martha and Zaina played Pease Pudding Hot on the Bassoon – it is great to see some of our students choosing this less common instrument, which can be tricky to play, but they did brilliantly.

Eleven students then played Start & Stop and Goosebumps on the Trumpet. They showed good timing, and played with confidence. Four Year 8s, who have continued to play this year, then presumed Dog and Duck on the Violin, their improvement since last year was clear to hear.

The second Violin group also played Under the Coconut Tree, along with Twinkle Twinkle – they played well, and were able to move between the strings with skill. Sofia and Molly in Year 8 performed Evening Prayer on the Trombone –they coped very well with the dexterity required to position the slide correctly to maintain solid tuning.

The next piece was a solo performed by Hilary on the Flute – she played On a Summer’s Evening and demonstrated good breath-control and expressive range.

Next was a group of seven Trombones, who played Aces High and How Do You Do? excellently, and with good tuning. Aces High even had some slides, which is something only the Trombone can do! The Trumpets and Trombone then joined together for a Brass spectacular, entitled Chummy Charleston – it was great, particularly given that they have only had 11 hours of tuition over the year.

Next, Tilly performed Clown Dance on the Bassoon with Mr Russell, showing a remarkable level of proficiency after such a short space of time – the instrument is very heavy to hold, and the reed can cause all sorts of problems, but Tilly managed really well.

Alex performed next, singing Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid – her voice was powerful and her timing was excellent. The third Violin group played The Grand Old Duke of York, making a full sound with very solid tuning. They also reprised Under the Coconut Tree

Three Trumpeters in Years 7 and 8 played When the Saints, and they certainly have potential for the future. A group of six Clarinets then played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – their timing was great. Olivia sang Castle on a Cloud from Les Misérables – her voice was powerful, and she also nailed the characterisation.

The last group brought together seventeen Violins and Violas, and took the audience full circle, playing the two pieces we heard the first group perform. They were equally confident, and made a great sound.

The Year 7 instrumental project gives every student in the year-group the chance to explore the process of learning a musical instrument –some students choose not to continue with their lessons and focus on other areas, but every year others discover a talent for music, which may become a life-long passion!

Dr Barrand