Throughout the year, teachers encourage their pupils to display the characteristics of the Shiplake Seven, such as being curious, motivated and creative. It is important for the teachers to display these qualities themselves, and what better way to do this than by learning a musical instrument? At the start of the academic year, staff were invited to join Lower School pupils in the exciting opportunity of learning an instrument. A number of staff members took up the so-called ‘Symphonic Challenge’, with teachers becoming the pupils! On Friday 16 June, the teachers took to the stage to show just how far they had come…
Thank you to Director of Music Mr Richard Curran for the following report:
‘On Friday, no fewer than three teachers graced the stage in the Lecture Theatre to perform pieces they recently presented to the ABRSM exam board in their Grade 1 Music exam. Mr Adam Dimmick, Mr Yona Urkidi-Diez and Mr Adam Mallins have all been learning to play the cello this year as part of the Music Department’s Symphonic Challenge. Mr Dimmick and Mr Urkidi played with finesse and a warm tone, and demonstrated what can be achieved in a year when you ‘Just Try!’. Mr Mallins, instead of playing cello, decided to sing 42nd Street. Not only has he been learning cello, he has also been taking singing lessons. With an evident love of musicals, he sang with passion and clearly enjoyed every minute of it.
In addition to the three teachers, Tom Ibbitson opened the concert with a rousing performance of Johnny Be Good, followed by Mufaro Gaza, who got the audience singing along to Take That’s Want You Back.
This was the final lunchtime concert of the year, and we would like to say a big thank you to all the performers and audience members who attended, and played their part in making the concert a regular and successful event in the school’s calendar. We are looking forward to hearing more performances next year.’