Winter Concert Wows Audiences

The Shiplake College Winter Concert went off last night in spectacular style; a big crowd of family, staff and fellow pupils packed out the Sports Hall to enjoy the latest musical offering. Staff joined pupils onstage, playing a varied programme to an appreciative audience. As is traditional at the Winter Concert, there were some Christmas songs to get everyone in the spirit, as well as pop, jazz and traditional pieces of music, guided by the skilful hand of Director of Music Mr Richard Curran.

Comperes Patrick Kenny and Charlie Thomas took the audience through the pieces, expertly introducing each piece and the performers as they took to the stage. The Stranded opened the evening, playing the catchy Naïve by The Kooks. Following this was the Year 12 Music BTEC band, some of whom had only been playing their instruments since the beginning of the Autumn term. They played Let’s Dance by David Bowie, and their passionate performance was a fitting tribute to the famed artist. The Shiplake Chorus (formerly the Chamber Choir) followed, performing A Tribute to Queen, which was a fantastic medley of Queen’s biggest hits. The Covers Band were next onstage, playing Coldplay’s hit song Clocks. This was followed by the Lower School Choir performing James Bay’s toe-tapping Hold Back the River. The Sax Quartet then took on a jazz piece, When Sunny Gets Blue, by Jack Segal. The Jack Underwood Band were next in the spotlight, playing Stuck in the Middle with You by Gerry Rafferty – which was popular with the audience!

The First Eight took to the stage next with Mr Paul Jones, performing their own innovative version of the Lazy Song by Bruno Mars. Rare Groove performed Diggin’ on James Brown by Tower of Power, and Soul Searching by Average White Band, with Charlie Thomas giving a soulful performance on vocals. The Shiplake Community Choir were next, performing a medley of Bond theme tunes – The Best of Bond­. The Big Band were then in the spotlight, playing seasonal tune Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams, and popular hit Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars. Whilst Opus (the Orchestra) were preparing onstage, there was an interactive audience singalong – everyone joined in singing Wizzard’s festive favourite I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday. Opus then performed a classical Bach piece, Sleepers Wake. Danny Seymour then joined them onstage to perform Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea, Danny giving a sensational performance throughout the evening. Camerata then sang an Old Rhyme, Christmas is Coming and, finally, Opus and Camerata closed the evening with a performance of This Christmas, by Donny Hathaway.

Festive refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies, followed in the Great Hall. The audience members were full of praise for the fantastic event and are looking forward to the next offering in spring.