Spring Concert Spectacular!

With a programme bursting with timeless classics, new compositions and haunting melodies, the audience at the Shiplake Spring concert were treated to a dazzling display of musicianship, expressive interpretation and captivating energy. The core ensembles (Shiplake Collective and Chorus) opened and closed what was truly a celebration of music, which featured sterling performances by both Welsh and Everett House ensembles and a colourful weave of genres.

Darcy Timms and Will Mandondo were marvellous presenters and inspiring vocalists on Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain and Cee Lo Green’s Forget You, respectively. Shiplake's newest Music scholar, Johnny Miller, stepped up confidently to front Rare Groove’s arrangement of Bright Side of the Road and Charlie Thomas raised the roof with Eton Rifles by The Jam.

If it was not already clear before then all of our front men and women and our First Eight made it abundantly clear that we are a singing school. But that is not all: with Rare Groove’s horn section adding warmth and beautifully shaped dynamic phrasing and a tremendous attention to detail by the rhythm sections of each of the bands, I can’t help feeling that we are so much more than a singing school.

Jack Parrott’s creativity and innovative side was there for all to see by way of the guitar he made at home out of an old oil can (and electrical paraphernalia), and Juan Elkington’s handling of some of the most difficult bass lines around was flawless. With so much musical talent and the youngest pupil to receive full colours in Music (in Year 10!) Ben Atkin shared one of the many songs he has written over the past year, to great acclaim. He hypnotised the audience with a beautiful performance which will, I suspect, be the first of many public performances. What a great way to end another busy term.

Report provided by Director of Music Mr Richard Curran.