It has been another very busy term for the Music Department. From our youngest performers to our most experienced musicians, the joy of music-making has been apparent throughout both the Prep and Senior schools.
In the Prep School, the Year 6 students performed beautifully at the annual Sutton Remembrance Service in November. Soon after, they joined forces with the Salvation Army to spread festive cheer in the community through carol singing. Meanwhile, our EYFS and Key Stage 1 pupils charmed audiences with their enthusiasm and confidence in their Nativity performances, ‘Peggy’s Nativity’ and ‘Stargazers’. The term finished with the Key Stage 2 Christmas Concert, during which the students showcased their hard work and love of music in a truly uplifting evening, featuring soloists and various ensembles including the Orchestra, Ukulele ensemble and Charlesworth Singers.
In the Senior School, the concerts started back in October, with the whole of Year 7 performing beautifully in the Year 7 Concert. This concert featured solos, the Year 7 Singers and finished with the whole year group singing selected songs from Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
After the half-term break, excitement built throughout the half term as the heats of the annual Music Competition progressed, culminating in an outstanding evening of music-making during the final on Thursday 4th December. Guest adjudicator, Mr Gareth Hemmings, Director of Music at Dulwich College, was extremely impressed by all the performers and had the unenviable task of picking winners – congratulations to all who took part, particularly Year 8 Poppy (Overall Beginner Winner), Year 8 Elsa (Intermediate Winner) and Year 11 Lily who was not only the Advanced Winner, but was also awarded ‘SHS Young Musician of the Year’ as a result of her outstanding cello playing in Fauré’s Élégie and in her rendition of Schubert’s Impromptu in G flat for piano.
A couple of weeks earlier, we held our Senior Autumn Concert, during which the incredible range of talent within the school was evident in the performances given by a selection of soloists and ensembles, including Senior Orchestra, Year 7 & 8 Singers and Senior Choir. The talented members of Chamber Choir particularly impressed with their beautifully polished and accomplished performances of ‘When I Fall in Love’ and Billy Joel’s beautiful ‘Lullaby’.
The music continued into the final week of term, with a Piano Recital offering a chance for our young pianists to shine.
And then on the final Thursday evening of term, the Senior Choir and Chamber Choir performed in the school’s annual Carols by Candlelight in Trinity Church, Sutton. They performed again, the next morning, this time joined by Year 7 & 8 Singers, in the school annual Carol Service, helping to bring the term to a close.
It has truly been a fabulous term of music-making, full of creativity, hard work, and enjoyment. Many congratulations to every student who contributed to the vibrant musical life of the school in the many concerts, weekly rehearsals, informal lunchtime concerts and music exams. After all the excitement, we’re all ready for a well-earned rest — but the Music Department is already looking forward to more inspiring performances in the New Year!