This afternoon, 8 November, saw staff and pupils across the College gather in the Lecture Theatre for the second Lunchtime Concert of the academic year. These concerts provide the opportunity for musicians of all abilities, from every year group, to perform on stage in front of students and staff, regardless of if it is their first time, or whether they are a veteran of stagecraft. This concert was proved to be just so, with a variety of musicians taking to the stage - for some it was their very first time performing.
First to perform, and not showing any signs of nerves, was Year 13 pupil, Hope Lane. Hope started off the concert with their rendition of Saint Motel’s A Good Song Never Dies. A talented musician, Hope both played the music on the piano and sang. Often a tricky feat, both singing and playing, Hope showed composure and great skill playing the piece, much to the audience’s appreciation.
Next to perform were Year 9 pupils, Ben Woodbridge and Thomas Rowe, who have formed a duet comprising of the saxophone and drums. On the saxophone, Ben started to learn how to play last year as part of our Lower School music programme and together with Thomas, played Jimmy Cliff’s I Can See Clearly Now.
Up next on stage to perform was Max Marson-Day. Playing a challenging piece on the piano, Max played one of his Grade 7 pieces, Debussy’s The Little Shepherd. Often recognisable, the piece by Debussy was expertly captured and played by Max.
Next to perform was Year 11 pupil, Felix Collar. Felix performed at the last Lunchtime Concert on the bass guitar – you may remember him bringing the sound of rock-n-roll with his rendition of Bon Jovi’s Livin' on a Prayer. Today however, Felix swapped his guitar for the drums and played Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters. The rock piece is one of Felix’s Grade 3 pieces and like the last time, the sounds of the drums could probably be heard reverberating throughout the John Turner Building!
The penultimate performer of the Lunchtime Concert was George Watson. A new pupil in Year 9, George was performing for the first time. In today’s concert, he was singing one of his Grade 5 pieces, Simple Gifts. With Mrs Rapple Moore on the piano providing the accompaniment, George showed great poise and execution in his singing; his performance not showing any signs of a debutant performer.
Last to perform was Year 9 pupil, Sena Hughes. Often seen playing the piano, today he showed us what he can do on the drums. Ending the concert with a bang, Sena played Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, which is one of his Grade 6 pieces.
Our audience, packing out the Lecture Theatre, gave each of the performers a resounding reception and once the last note was played, serenaded our musicians with a fully deserved round of applause. There were also thanks given to the support pupils, Gregor Jones and Leo Slowikowski, who helped with the sound system and staging.
A huge congratulations to all those who performed today, and thank you to everyone that attended to support. The next Lunchtime Concert will be held on Wednesday 7 December and we look forward to seeing what is in store then!
