PUBLISHED 29 February 2020
AKS & The Lancashire Schools' Jazz Orchestra joint concert, 28th February, 2020
AKS and The Lancashire Schools' Jazz Orchestra collaborated on a joint concert to perform well-known Movie theme tunes, ranging from classics, like Rocky, to Pixar and Disney favourites.
The LSJO was conducted by Mrs Greig who also teaches Brass at our school. The orchestra got everyone in the mood with a superb rendition of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ to open the concert. Their stellar performances included ‘Stormy Weather’ with a breath-taking vocal performance by Eleanor who was performing it for the first time. Louis (Year 11), our very own jazz pianist also provided accompaniment to the LSJO for the first time. The LSJO have regular Saturday Night Live jazz evenings called ‘Jazz and Brews’, where audiences can watch them perform in a relaxed café atmosphere. Please visit their website for more information.
Mr Waterhouse then introduced the next part of the programme in which Mr Brown conducted the AKS Concert Band who played Pixar and Disney classics. Their performances were followed by the AKS Swing Band whose opening number ‘Muppet Theme Tune’ brought instant cheer to the hall.
Other highlights included performances by students who previously wowed in The Addams Family production at Lowther Gardens. They included Oliver’s captivating rendition of ‘Our Town’ (from Cars); and Jessica’s, ‘Le Festin’ from Ratatouille, sung entirely in French with the panache to match. The penultimate performance was by Owen (Year 7) who sang a spectacular solo, ‘Proud Corazon’ from Coco, accompanied by J Jay (Year 12) who added his harmony and support to our youngest performer. The final piece (‘How Far I’ll Go’ from Moma) brought the full AKS Choir on stage for the finale.
Mrs Greig’s suggestion for the LSJO to perform alongside AKS follows the highly successful joint concert orchestrated by Mr Thomas before Christmas, when he invited his award-winning Blackburn & Darwen Brass Band to play alongside our AKS Preparatory School's Giant 80-piece orchestra. These opportunities contribute to the school's culture of performance, as well as encouraging students to broaden their horizons and inspiring them to achieve new heights. Similarly, it’s wonderful to see teachers, Mrs Johnson (English) and Mrs Yelland (Spanish) performing alongside students in our choir and Mr Hodder playing bass, Mr Harrison on percussion and Mr Waterhouse, Mr Thomas and Mr Brown (Performing Arts) all taking part in the Swing Band.
Congratulations to all performers and those who worked behind the scenes to ensure the evening was a success.
Please save the date for the forthcoming AKS concerts:
· Tuesday 24th March, Preparatory School Spring Concert (Prep School Hall)
· Saturday 28th March, Brahms ‘Song of Destiny’ with Blackpool Symphony Orchestra
· Wednesday 1st April, Evening of Swing
You can also speak to members of the Performing Arts department at our Senior School Open Evening to discuss how your child can get the most out of opportunities at AKS. The Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 4th March (5.30-7.30pm), all welcome. Please register on our website in advance.