PUBLISHED 19 October 2023
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Autumn Concert, held in the OAKS Hall on 18th October.
Once again, we were treated to an eclectic programme, including music from the likes of Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Natalie Imbruglia and Michael Buble sung/played by Harriet A (Year 12), Maia C (Year 13), Anya K (Year 12) and Year 12 band, 8:FIFTEEN, alongside classical piano pieces by Kuhlau and Chopin played by Isaac (Year 7) and Dev (Year 13), opera (Sammy C, Year 12) and Sinatra’s New York New York (Hugo, also Year 12, on saxophone, accompanied by the staff band).
Participation in musical ensembles is increasing year-on-year, with the Concert Band boosted by a raft of Year 7s on woodwind and brass. Likewise, the Senior Choir now struggle to fit on the stage, with over sixty performers from all year groups. We also welcomed new students into Swing Band who entertained with the Theme from Family Guy, What I Did for Love, and Bandstand Boogie, as well as the Chamber Choir who sang The Rose and Irish Blessing.
There was also a taste of what we can look forward to from this year’s musical, The Little Shop of Horrors, which will take place in January at the Lowther Pavilion, when principals, Henry (Year 9) and Alex W (Year 12) performed a medley from the show.
Then, the whole Senior Choir took to the stage for the finale, featuring Hattie W (Year 7), alongside Maia C (Year 13), before ending on a high with the aptly titled Rise Up, featuring Alex W. The closeness, enthusiasm and mutual support that characterises our Performing Arts department was illustrated with the return of one of last year's Year 13 soloists, Louis G, who joined the audience to support his friends and enjoy AKS music once again. Louis is currently studying jazz piano at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Many thanks to our Music Department and peripatetic teachers for all their support.
Dates for your diary (all welcome):
- 1st December: Christmas Spectacular Concert (Prep School and the Blackburn and Darwen Band), 7pm. Tickets available soon on TryBooking.
- 13th December: Carol Service at St Thomas’ Church, 7pm
- 25th-27th January: The Little Shop of Horrors at the Lowther Pavilion, 7.30pm (Thurs, Fri, Sat), 2.30pm (Sat)
Scholarship applications for Year 7 entry to Senior School and Year 12 entry to Sixth Form are now open. Contact admissions@akslytham.com for further information.