The Shiplake Music department ensured the Spring Term ended on a high by organising a wonderful Spring Concert. Once again, the concert was hugely inclusive, allowing a vast number of pupils to demonstrate their musical talents. Ensembles ranged from the entire Lower School Orchestra and popular Rock Choir to the expertise of the senior music students in the Clarinet Quartet and Barbershop Boys.
The Sports Hall was once again transformed using state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology into a venue worthy of such a high-quality concert. The evening was kicked off in thunderous fashion with Greased Lightning performed by ‘The Shiplake T-Birds’ who gelled perfectly as a group to achieve slick execution. Performances throughout the show covered a diverse range of music genres and styles, including the string ensemble’s version of Brazilian classic Tico-Tico no Fubá and the Chamber Choir’s version of Viva la Vida by Coldplay.
The rock choir impressed the audience with an entertaining medley of recent hits It’s Time, Mirrors and Royals originally released by Imagine Dragons, Justin Timberlake and Lorde respectively. The Girls’ Choir took on Just Give Me a Reasonby Pink while the visiting Shiplake Community Choir expressed The Rhythm of Life.
All A Level and BTEC Music students were prominent throughout the concert, taking to the stage on a number of occasions to showcase their impressive range of abilities. Notable solos came from Niranjan Rajagopal who sang Pharrel Williams’ Happy – the biggest hit of 2014 so far – with the Motown Band and Reiss Simpson who performedRadioactive accompanied by Yeem Chanthanawan.
The newly-appointed Music Captains helped in the smooth-running of the event by taking charge of the logistics. Most of the items were arranged by music staff, including the final performance of the evening by the Lower School Orchestra. Mr Ham imaginatively combined sporting tunes into a Football Fiesta medley.
The Headmaster was delighted with the evening, proclaiming it was “the concert he has been waiting 10 years for!” Mr Davies added: “All performers looked like they had FUN, which makes is hugely enjoyable for the audience. Everyone involved deserves great credit.”
To see more photos from the Spring Concert, please visit our Flickr gallery.
