PUBLISHED 05 December 2022
We were delighted to welcome Mr Thomas' award-winning Blackburn & Darwen Brass Band who joined us for our Prep School Christmas Spectacular last week.
The band added to a packed programme which included Prep School Choir, the Prep Chamber Choir, the Prep School Giant Orchestra, The Attic Monkeys (our Year 6 band) and our Concert Band from Senior School. In addition, we were delighted that talented pianist, Louis (Year 13), was able to accompany the Prep Choir singing Lullaby for a King and Miranda (also in Year 13) leant her stunning vocals to a solo, Only in Sleep, in which she was accompanied by the Prep School Chamber Choir.
Highlights included the poignant We Will Remember Them (and associated video footage), penned by Mr Thomas for Remembrance Day and sung by the Prep School Choir, accompanied by the Blackburn & Darwen Brass Band; and fantastic audience participation during the performance of Schneewalzer.
As noted by Mr Waterhouse (Director of Performing Arts), it was fantastic to see a several familiar faces in the Senior School's Concert Band, with our previous Year 6s now continuing their musical journeys as Year 7s. In particular, Reuben debuted as the Concert Band's new percussionist, having progressed from being the drummer in last year's Prep Orchestra. His boots have been filled by Brody in Year 6 who plays drums for both the orchestra and the Year 6 band, The Attic Monkeys; and as we saw from our November concert for Prep School instrumentalists, with so many children choosing a variety of instruments in addition to those learnt in class, the Giant Orchestra's future looks very bright indeed!
The Orchestra was a feast for both eyes and ears, when they squeezed on stage to play the catchy, Where Did You Go (Santa)? By the time the concert finished with Merry Christmas Everybody, the hall erupted with Christmas cheer, as the crowd sang along to the rousing finale.
Thank you, Mr Thomas, for putting together such a wonderful Christmas programme!
NEXT EVENTS
If you would like more Christmas cheer and time for reflection, please join us for our Christmas Fair this Saturday and our Carol Service on 14th December. both events are open to all.