Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
The schools also organize a school orchestra and at many schools various instrumental groups. This varies greatly from school to school. Some schools place a much greater emphasis on music than other schools. It is not uncommon, however, for half of the children to attemp instrumental tuitin and thus a variety of music groups can be organized. This is important because it provides the children the opportunity to utilize their new skills. Here some staff members commonly join the students and the musical talents of the staff play an important role in what can be accomplished.
It took a long time to reach Derby but it was well worth it. The course was taken by Lt. Col. Neville who was great fun and was soon calling us 'thickos', 'goons', and other funny names. On the first three days we had sectional practices; from Saturday onwards we had full band rehersals. On Sunday we all thoroughly enjoyed atrip to Alton Towers. Soon came the big day and I was fairly nervous. I entered the hall where the concert was being held. Hannah Merson played a piccolo solo called 'Silver wings'. A boy called James Arnold who was one of the last five brass players in the Young Musician of the Year played a trumpet solo. Some of the pieces played were 'The Blue Tail Fly', Day of the Glory', and 'Rhapsody from the Low Countries'. It was a great atmosphere.
Andrew Bridges, Junior Wyvern (Queen's College Junior School), 1989-90.
The Junior Concert was held on Tuesday, February 11th in the Theatre. Boys performed on a wide variety of instruments. The concert was aimed at presenting to the parents the sort of work which goes on throughout the Term from day to day in the Music Department. Forms Pre-KG and KG demonstrated music amd movement, while Transition and Form II sang songs and recited poems. Form III presented a recorder group. Finally, the orchestra, made up of beginners as well as advanced pupils, performed three pieces. In between these items mentioned above, many boys performed on their instruments --piano, clarinet, flute, violin, violoncello, guitar, saxophone, trumpet and recorder -- either as a solo or in a duet or group. All of the boys who performed in the Concert were of Grade 2 Associated Board or below regardless of age.
Jean Braddock, The Wheasheaf (Pownall Hall), 1980.
An aura of warmth and welcoming pervaded the Music block on 7th November, just before 7 p.m. as we took our places to listen to various participants in our first Mini Concert of the term. There was none of the usual nervousness apparent, and I was very impressed with the 'savoir faire' of each of the children performing -- a good introduction, I felt, for morale and condidence boosting in preparation fr bigger events in the New Hall. There was a good selection of instrumentalists -- ranging from the Clarinent, Trumpet, Violin, Cello, recorders and Piano. Suzi Loades and Clare Rickard brought the evening to a close by singing very sweetly "My Favorite Things". It was a most enjoyable evening, and I look forward to many more. It was also good to see so many parents supporting such an excellent hour's entertainment. A warm thank you to Mrs. Beresford-Frye and Mrs. Carter and the children concerned for making all of this possible.
VMH, Surge (Beeston Hall), Autumn 1988.
The brass world continues at a pace with much achieved this year. The senior brass group reached a very good standard when they performed a well-known piece of brass quintet repertoire, namely the "SusatoSuite" -- a work that causes brass groups many years senior plenty of difficulties. By way of contrast, to say the very least, the group gave an ethusiastic version of "In the Mood" -- a iece since much repeated by a host of one-fingered pianists seeking to imitate the performance! Sadly, this brass group divides dramatically due to leavers ... but I am confident that members of the rapidly developing second brass group, newly promoted, will cope admirably with the higher standard.
SJH, Great Walstead Magazine 1987.
I am in the orchestra and I went to the orchestra meeting. It was really brilliant and we got lots to eat!
Kenton Coppel, 10.3, The Bramcote Magazine, Autumn 1978
