Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
The schools organize a variety of choral and instrumental groups to provide music making opportunities.
As one headmaster told us, "We actively encourage the slighest interst in music." With school-age children, it is important to provide opportunities for active participation. The size of the school limits the alternatives. The musical talents of the staff is another factor.
The music department has been very active this term with an increased number of pupils learning musical instruments. We have also kindly been presented with a Cup by Mr. & Mrs. Crowe which is to be presented annually to the best instrumentalist in the School. During the course of the term two girls took Associated Board violin exams: Emma Bailey at Grade III, which she passed, and Michelle Crowe at Grade V. She unfortunately came unstuck on sight-reading and aural tests and will take the exam against next term, when we shall also have a number of others taking A.B. exams. On Thursday, December 15th. a concert was held at School in which all instrumental pupils took part, regardless of standard or how long they had been learning -- indeed there were some who had only been learning since September. It was good to see such a large attendance of parents for I believe it to be a valuable exercise to play before an audence, no matter how elementarily. The following evening Karen Robson, Lynn Eastwood and I took a section of the Choir carol singing around Gosforth in the aid of the B.B.C. Children in Need Appeal. We made it a formal occassion by the wearing of surplices, even though it was a damp night. We managed to raise £70.31 which was very gratifying. Now in the final stages of term all our efforts and attention is being directed toward the Carol Service on the last afternoon.
S.J.G., "Harecroft Hall Newsletter", December 1988.
.... During theyear another large batch of musicians took Associated Board Grade Exams .... The school orchestra has enjoyed a successful year culminating in its contribution to the Summer term concert when it was augmnted not only by members of our own staff but also some musicians brought by Mr. Gunner from his school, including a valuable addition of tympani. We are grateful for his enthusiastic support and skillful guidance throughout the year. Another S.A.T.I.P.S. Orchestral course was again held at Charterhouse and thirteen instrumentalists enjoyed a rewarding day. The choir has enjoyed a year of mixed sacred and secular music. In the Autumn the loss of the previous year's exceptional altos was apparent and it was some time bfore the alto line established itself again. We have also been depleted in the lower parts recently, a combination of departure and illness making it suitable to concentrate more on unison and two-part music. Among the anthems sung were: O Praise the Lord--W. Boyce; an aria from Handel's 'Messiah', and in the carol service the contemporary 'Shepherd's Pipe Carol' by John Ruter. Comcert items have included two-part settings of the spirited 'Li'l David play n your harp', and an amusing arrangement of 'Old Macdonald had a farm' by Philip Tate. The Choir outing was in Windsor Great Park where a good deal of unmisical activity was undamprned by the damp evening. ....
MHF, Lambrook Chronicle, 1980.
