The Arts

New Director of Music, Mark Cracknell, is weaving a new song into the old at Sherborne Girls – and it’s already resulting in sweet harmony.

When I came to my interview at Sherborne Girls, I was immediately struck by the warmth of this community. The girls and staff alike show a real care and compassion towards each other. That’ s certainly been my experience since arriving with my wife Fiona (Housemistress of Reader Harris) and daughter Clemmie in September.

I have a clear vision for Music at this superb School. After 15 years as Director of Music at Taunton School, I feel inspired and excited by the opportunity to lead our provision in such a beautiful environment. The Merritt Centre really is a jewel in our crown. I’ m keen that we make the most of it, giving everyone in our community the opportunity to discover their passion for music.

As I write, I can hear rehearsals taking place in the room next door. It’ s so nice to listen to our pupils making music as it resounds through the building. It reminds us all that everyone has a voice. Helping them find it is a joyful, privileged, thing.

That is why I’ m keen to encourage as many pupils as possible to engage with Music in one way or another. I’ ve inherited a fantastic tradition from my predecessor John Jenkins and I’ m keen to build on that as we enter the next phase of our School’ s musical life. As an example, alongside the traditional activities of a high-achieving music department, I’ m introducing teaching in a broader sense; utilising Music Technology and production in our fabulous studio alongside Songwriting and DJ lessons.

The idea is to demonstrate the diversity of styles that make up Music. For many in our community, learning to play an instrument or sing, performing in choirs, chamber ensembles and orchestras is the prime focus of their activity in the Music School. But many also enjoy the creative freedom that comes from experimenting with their own compositions or working out how to play and perform contemporary and commercial music. I’ m keen to develop those sorts of opportunities at Sherborne Girls, celebrating the breadth of musical interest and talent in the School while maintaining the highest academic and musical standards in all genres and styles that make up our wonderful musical landscape.

In this way, Music helps engender the School’ s values. It makes girls curious to discover new ways of thinking, to show commitment and diligence and to learn new things about themselves. Regular solo performance builds their courage, while sharing music with others deepens compassion and teamwork. The array of musical opportunity, and the encouragement to experiment, develops adaptability. And, of course, the opportunity to perform amid the splendour of Sherborne Abbey provides a chance for spiritual growth.

For me, it is this richness that makes Music at Sherborne Girls such an inspiring activity. Whatever their gift or enthusiasm, we offer our pupils every chance to shine and to achieve their full potential. I feel honoured to lead in this area, in a community that already feels very much like home.

An Enduring Melody

L5girls raisetheroof withMatildaproduction

The L5 production this term was Matilda – the multiaward-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. More than 50 of the L5 were involved on stage or off, allowing them to hone both their performance and technical skills in what is always a hugely enjoyable start to, for many of them, their first term at Sherborne Girls.

Rosie Arbuthnott played Matilda superbly, treading the line between the character ’ s brilliance and vulnerability with great skill. Arabella Guy as Miss Trunchbull was terrifying and hilarious in equal measure, and Teia Gardner as Miss Honey showed great maturity performing the kindness and insecurity of the character. Audience favourites Mr and Mrs Wormwood, played by Grace Jamieson and Clemmie Crosthwaite, with Flora Simpson-Gee as the hip-swivelling Rudolpho, always brought laughter and fun to each of their scenes. Arguably the most memorable moment of the evening was Martha Thornham as Bruce devouring the giant chocolate cake.

Lizzie Nurse Director of Drama and Dance

Modernthemes exploredin classicplay

Animal Farm, an age-old favourite by George Orwell, is a chilling and relevant reminder of the dangers of the abuse of power. Cleverly adapted by Peter Hall, this allegorical production based on the rise of Stalin was imaginatively brought to life by an outstanding ensemble in the Powell Theatre in December.

The Joint Schools

’ production saw the theatre transformed into the barn of “Animal Farm ” , the pupils into its unsuspecting yet captivating animals. The performances were brave and utterly engaging as the pupils used their vocal and physical skills to bring the drama to life. Technical support from Mr Donnelly enhanced the lively blocking and with every member of the ensemble contributing to its success, the production really did prove that “ all animals are equal” . Huge congratulations to the cast and crew for a superb production.

Katy Scott Teacher of Drama

THE ART OF THE MATTER

Artist in Residence Lillie Ayres outlines her plans to enrich pupils’ artistic sensibilities and build their confidence.

It is a pleasure to be given the opportunity to work as Sherborne Girls ’ Artist in Residence. I work as a multi-disciplinary artist and studied sculpture at Bath Spa University. After graduating, I worked as a gallery assistant and freelance educator at Roche Court, maintaining my artistic practice and taking inspiration from the changing contemporary art in the sculpture park. It was great to go back to Roche Court with the girls in October and enhance their understanding of contemporary art in such an interesting space.

Of late I have been starting to refine drawings I made over the summer into lino prints and using oil painting to develop my understanding of the subjects I am depicting. It’ s been wonderful to make my own art and work closely with the girls during their

lessons.

It is great to work in a community of such intelligent and talented pupils. My ethos is to encourage everyone to spend longer looking, thinking and speaking. It is also important to ensure that I help pupils develop confidence in themselves and their work to empower them for later life.

I have enjoyed taking over the art scholars ’ groups, where we have been printmaking and producing our own sketchbooks inspired by the sculptures of Barbara Hepworth. I am curating a show in The Merritt Centre Wirth Gallery, featuring my work and that of my peers. I’ m pleased to be showing work that is fresh and ambitious as it’ s an important model for the girls. The History of Art L6 enjoyed a busy study day at Tate Britain, observing some specific War Art by John Copley and John Piper as well as works on Identity by Chris Ofili and Sonia Boyce.

The pupils also experienced marble and bronze sculpture in the galleries, using their skills to write insightful analysis about their forms, materials and the techniques used to make them. In the afternoon we visited the Cornelia Parker exhibition, where we challenged them to analyse the works of a contemporary sculptor who transforms everyday objects into extraordinary works of art by squashing or exploding them to create new meanings. The girls enjoyed the visual metaphors and wit of the artist, and wrote some excellent responses to everything they experienced.

L6 INSPIRED BY TRANSFORMATIVE TATE TRIP

Jonathan Casely, Head of History of Art

Poetic perfection

Lorin and Melissa (M5) from Sherborne Girls Creative Writing club entered the Young Writers ’ Competition, “The Power of Poetry

” . This competition enabled pupils to learn how to harness the power of poetry and inspired them to write about something they truly cared about. We considered a variety of poetic styles and both girls wrote powerful poems about subjects they are passionate about. Both girls received Certificates of Merit and will be published in The Power of Poetry book.

Becky McCall, English Teacher

Here is one of the commended poems.

GREEN ISLAND

BY LORIN M5

Look up in the sky, It’s high, it’s far Gathering clouds Shade the sun It’s dark, it’s silent. Close my eyes It’s dim, it’s murk Blind the reality, there’s no sorrow Row the boat of fantasy In the quiet, black sea Row the boat, you can go anywhere There comes the island, lit green. If I open my eyes, Will the green light fade away? Will the island fall apart? The clouds crumble Sun breaks on the sea of gloom Row, row the boat again and again It’s bright, it’s frisky. There, there’s the green island!