The Music Department is taking great strides forward, taking full advantage of the wonderful new facilities in the John Turner Building, and taking every opportunity to showcase the talent that is nurtured at the College.
Following their success at the Marlow Festival of Music and Drama last term, Shiplake’s Clarinet Quartet, comprised of Josh Hirst, Charles Marsden, Tom McCooke and Ed Warren, recently competed in the South East Schools Chamber Music Competition at Wycombe Abbey School. A relatively new venture, the competition seeks to promote excellence in chamber music in secondary independent schools. We were invited to take part in this prestigious competition, the prize of which is an opportunity to perform at St John’s Smith Square, London.
The group performed arrangements made by their teacher, Mr Christopher Ham, of Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag, and Somewhere from Bernstein’s classic West Side Story. In addition to performing, the group received further coaching from eminent violinist Richard Ireland. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn from a renowned chamber musician, and to develop their understanding of the music further.
Mr Ham commented: 'The boys were slightly disappointed to hear they will not be progressing to the next round of the competition, but were still very pleased to test themselves on a competitive stage.'
