Music

The start of the Academic Year 2021/2022 in the RMC was greeted with a sense of eager anticipation as instrumental ensembles and choirs resumed and the prospect of performances to live audiences again became a realistic possibility. The relaxing and lifting of some restrictions meant that performing/singing outdoors was a distant memory and appreciated by staff and students alike.

The RMC hosted the Young Musician of St George’s competition in November 2021, a contest which highlighted a wide range of talent, and we were again treated to performances of the highest calibre. This was the fourth year of the Young Musician competition at St George’s, and whilst everyone who participated played exceptionally well it was Christine (L5)- piano who won the competition. The Young Singer of St George’s competition which was in its third year produced a winner in Georgia (L6). Unfortunately, although some restrictions had been relaxed, we still could not have an audience present so thanks to Mr Raynor who video recorded both competitions and streamed them to parents. Both competitions were externally judged and both judges commented on the high standard of playing and singing of the students as well as their performance skills.

External examinations were thankfully not affected to the extent they had been last year, and although we still entered some students via video recording, we managed successfully to have face-face examinations with examiners present. Students again, who seemed to enjoy playing/singing to an examiner in the auditorium, worked incredibly hard, and their efforts coupled with their teachers’ support really paid dividends with outstanding results being achieved.

Throughout this year the Music Department managed to present the Junior and Lower School Performers’ Platforms and although our Autumn Platform was recorded our Spring Platforms were performed to a live audience, and these were received enthusiastically by both audiences and performers.

At the start of the term the Music and Drama departments started rehearsals for Sister Act not really knowing if the show would go on but in true Broadway fashion the show did go on. Unfortunately, we were unable to invite families and friends, but we performed three matinee performances to selected year groups.

The performances were the first to be staged in the refurbished Upper School Hall and the first in two years. To say it was an emotional experience would be an understatement!

One of the highlights of the Winter term across the school community is of course Christmas with its Concerts and Carol Services. This year again was impacted by Covid restrictions, and we did not manage live concerts, however, we were able, with the creativity, dedication and commitment of Mrs Morrison, Dr. Cradock, and Mr Raynor, to video and stream some festive cheer with contributions from all parts of the school. Another positive moment was our traditional folk band Off the Scales’ performance in Greyfriars Kirk. This recently formed ensemble is under the expert direction of Calum MacLeod and Margaret Robertson MBE.

Although 2021 had been an improvement on the previous year, we looked to 2022 with an eager expectation. The Music department was preparing for concerts in the Spring term and hoped that they would be able to go ahead. Unfortunately, the first casualty was our concert in March which had to be cancelled because of a spike in Covid cases. Undeterred preparations still went ahead for the Choral Concert, The Lower School Music/Drama event organised by Mr Raynor, Cantate Concert directed by Anne Lewis and the P3 Musical directed by Mrs Morrison. All these events managed to take place albeit with a reduced, invited audience but at least performing was back across the whole school.

The Summer Term, I am pleased to say, was almost back to normal and included Junior School and Lower School musical events taking place, Piano Platforms organised by Robin Hutt, a Summer Concert highlighting the musical ensembles who had not performed all year and of course our Leavers’ Recital.

As I have said in the past couple of years, taking everything into consideration the resilience, commitment, and perseverance of both the students and teachers has ensured that the Music department has had another successful and fulfilling year.

On a personal note, I am retiring this year as Director of Music and would like to thank my colleagues for all their hard work and support over the past six years. The past two years have undoubtedly been challenging but we managed to keep going and more importantly kept the students going and kept music as live as possible. I have enjoyed my time here at the school and enjoyed working with the talented students who have passed through the RMC. I wish the incoming Director of Music Jasmine Nicholson and the rest of the staff many happy days of music making, fun and frolics!