Pupils and staff were wowed by the talents of some of Shiplake's musicians on the last day of this half term at the College's first in person lunchtime concert since February 2020!
The event was compered by Sixth Formers Johnny Miller and Matt Grundy who introduced each act, providing some information about their performing history as well as the pieces they performed on the day.
Johnny said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the first lunchtime concert of the year. Lunchtime concerts at Shiplake are not just for the most experienced performers. Rather, they are designed to provide a platform for all of our musicians to feel what it is like to perform to an audience and so they grow as performers. This is as important to those preparing for a Grade 1 exam as it is for those of us who have been performing in concerts for years. There's always an opportunity to learn and grow."
First up was Leo Guo who made his debut as a vocal performer. Matt said: "You might have seen Leo playing some virtuosic electric guitar at House Music a couple of years ago as he wowed the audience with his solo in Don't Look Back in Anger. You might even know that he studies French Horn and plays in Big Band. Today, however, he debuts as a singer, performing a well-known work entitled Caro Mio Ben by Giordani."
Next, it was time for Year 12 music scholar Richard Wang to perform his piece, Flower Dance by DJ Okarwari on piano. Johnny said: "Richard is a talented composer as well as an accomplished pianist. You may have watched his music video that featured on the Shiplake Introducing concert on YouTube in May this year. Richard studies music in the Sixth Form, plays piano in Big Band, and as a music captain he coordinates and provides music for chapel each week."
It was then the turn of expressive singer Noah Scotchbrook who performed People from Broadway Musical Funny Girl. Matt said: "Our next performer is no stranger to the stage and he enjoys learning mainly works from the theatre and opera. He has featured in many of the performances over the numerous lockdowns and he is always 'in character' when delivering his song. Noah Scotchbrook is a Year 11 GCSE Music student whose passion for singing is clear to see. He is in most of the College choirs and is a dedicated music captain."
Johnny then introduced new Shiplake pupil, Maurice Li who performed Miltonality by Harvey on clarinet. Johnny said: "Maurice Li is already making himself known as a talented musician. He is a keen clarinettist taking weekly lessons and rehearses with Big Band every Friday. He enjoys learning a broad range of works on his chosen instrument. The piece he has selected to perform for you today is an unaccompanied and lively solo work which he is currently learning for his Grade 6 ABRSM clarinet exam."
It was then Johnny's turn on the stage himself as he performed Untitled by Orange County. Matt said: "The performer who is about to take to the stage is a long standing pupil here at Shiplake and has possibly taken part in more concerts (both internal and external) than anyone else in College. Music is one of his sixth form studies and he is an extremely versatile musician; playing drums to a Grade 8 standard and playing piano in several of our bands over the years including Big Band, Collective, Rare Groove and a number of bespoke Soul and Indie bands. He is a seasoned ukulele player and is probably best known for singing in our all male vocal group The First Eight, Rock Choir, Camerata and performing as a soloist."
Johnny then introduced the last act of the concert, Year 10 band, Shockwave. He said: "Having been in a few bands myself over the years here at College I am delighted to introduce you to one which formed when they were all starting Year 9 during the pandemic. The boys are all good friends and excellent musicians and although they have wildly different tastes in music they always manage to agree on a song or two to rehearse. Shockwave, as the band is now called, includes Leo Slowikowski on the piano, Felix Collar on drums, Jonathan Kowal on guitar and Henry Johnston as their front man. The song they are going to perform today is called Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry."
Matt then closed the show with an extra round of applause for all performers.
Mr Richard Curran, Director of Music, said: "In my view there is absolutely no substitute for live music, which is why Friday's lunchtime concert was such a wonderful way to kickstart our calendar of music events for this academic year. There was, as always, a blend of seasoned performers and those making their debut, adding just the right amount of nervous energy as the young musicians took to the stage. Leo Guo made his debut as a tenor and marvelled the audience with an expressive performance of Caro Mio Ben whilst new clarinettist Maurice balanced a vibrant programme with the playful, unaccompanied work Miltonality. The department's new resident Year 10 band Shockwave brought the thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining concert to a close with a stellar performance of Johnny B Goode. Well done to all of the musicians for their accomplished performances and thanks to Mrs Rapple Moore for accompanying, Mr Elliott for managing the sound and to our very own Ant & Dec, Matt Grundy and Johnny Miller, for presenting the concert."
