The Music Department prides itself on getting every pupil involved in music; as soon as they join the school, students are encouraged to take up an instrument and try their hand at performing. Music at Shiplake College is continuing to increase in popularity and standard, as pupils get to grips with their chosen instrument. In order to celebrate this hard work and commitment, Director of Music Mr Richard Curran arranged a Lower School Celebration Concert. Parents, staff and friends filled the Lecture Theatre on Thursday 9 June, to enjoy a particularly polished and professional evening of music.
The audience were treated to a variety of ensemble pieces, as well as solo pieces from Year 7 and 8 pupils. The Brass band opened proceedings, with a brilliant rendition of Castle March. Year 7 pupil Jai Angell followed, playing I’m an Old Cow Hand on the piano, followed by the Strings ensemble playing Shark Attack from Sea Suite. Anthony Adamson, year 7, impressed audiences with his violin-playing of Largo from New World Symphony. The Flutes ensemble took to the stage next, playing B-A-G Rag, before Jamie Liu (on the flute) closed the first half of proceedings with his version of Showtime.
Year 8 performers were next to the stage. The Brass band opened with Indian Song, followed by a toe-tapping Star Wars & Struttin’, performed by Elliott Richards on the piano. The Clarinets then played Mission to Mars, followed by a contemporary rock song, Do I Wanna Know by the Arctic Monkeys, performed by Ben Willis on the electric guitar. The Strings ensemble closed the evening of fabulous music with Eleanor Rigby.
The musicians were fantastic; with most of them having played their instruments for only a matter of months, the courage and enthusiasm to head onstage and play to a packed audience is impressive to say the least. Mr Curran was very pleased with the night, commenting that ‘the boys did brilliantly and we were really proud to see all of their hard work come together.’ And that isn’t all for the musical calendar at Shiplake this academic year: the Summer Concert is being held on Monday 27 June at 7.30pm, in the marquee on the Front Field. Family and friends are most welcome to attend.
