The Music Department here at Shiplake College is proud to announce that on Saturday 3 March, eight pupils spent the day in the studio, recording and producing their own songs. The following day, two of those pupils took part in the Woodley Music Festival and one of the boys even reduced a judge to tears of joy!!
Local Competition Winners
Charlie Thomas and Patrick Kenny (both in Year 11) performed brilliantly in the Music Theatre ‘16 and Under’ Class at the Woodley Music festival on Sunday. Charlie won First Place outperforming nine entrants, and Patrick was right behind him to win third spot. Mrs Roper, their vocal teacher, told me that the adjudicator was most impressed at their vocal quality and was actually very emotional at Charlie's performance (of a big, demanding rock number across more than two octaves from Jesus Christ Superstar). Congratulations to both young musicians who will share their performances at our first lunchtime concert of the Summer term.
Report provided by Mr Curran
Shiplake Recording Studio
Shiplake College emerged from under a thick, cosy blanket of powdery snow on Saturday - casting glimpses of Monet's Snow Scene at Argenteuil - to the sounds of a steady stream of musical Storm (Emma) Troopers, who personified resilience and determination in their quest to make it in on time for a special recording session.
With lead sheets and creative directions carefully unpacked our GCSE pupils prepared for a creative experience, which would see the fruits of their labour realised by a band flown in from as far away as Caversham. With the technical groundwork prepared meticulously by Mr Ward hours in advance of the recordings college's staff band, 'Overdue', were ready to plug in and take direction from the eager young composers. While Patrick Kenny and Charlie Thomas led confidently as front men to their own songs, and Freddies Fricker and Young provided structural clarity by driving their songs at the drum kit and piano, respectively, Joe Rayner, Sydney Burnand, Michael Scanlon and Arthur Langeler took to their director's chairs next to Mr Curran and Mr Jones in the studio to give their direction.
The high energy throughout the day was palpable and band and songwriters all left on a musical high with a sense of accomplishment after what was an enjoyable, and dynamic, creative experience. Particular thanks to Dr Hughes, Mr Ward, Mr Elmore and Mr Dimmick for giving their time and expertise so generously to help bring these songs to life.
The recordings will be made available early in the Summer term along with a few other hit songs by some of our other talented Music students.
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