Shiplake's annual summer music festival - Shiplake Rocks! - returned on Monday 1 July when hundreds of pupils, parents, staff and other friends of the College descended on Front Field to enjoy a brilliant line-up of bands, ensembles, individuals and choirs. Taking place under the stretch tent and inside the Prize Giving Marquee, we saw a fantastic array of performances from current and former pupils, staff and even parents!
Beginning outside under the Stretch Tent, Old Viking DJ RobDog (Robbie Dawson, 23W) provided arrival music before the performances before the festival began with a performance from powerhouse singers Noah Scotchbrook and R Pathak. A range of street-food vans and bars added to the festival atmosphere as guests brought camping chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the music and the evening sun together.
Inside the Prize Giving Marquee, the second act began with a wonderful performance from the Little Big Band where the Year 7 and 8 pupils had the opportunity to show off what they have been learning through the 'Music for All' programme. Soon after, they were all performing again in the Lower School Choir with a medley.
A special mention must be given to all those who stepped in at the last minute to fill in gaps. We’re sure that those stranded in Sicily at the end of term due to perform would have been gutted but the stand ins did an excellent job to cover. Amongst those was the Headmaster, as well as the outgoing Mr Alcock who bowed out in style singing The Eagles’ Take It Easy’ with his quickly put together band Exponential Overload which included OVs Greg Jones (23O) and George Twydell (09O).
Thank you and well done to all those involved, including the team of music staff and all the visiting music teachers who work so hard to prepare for these events.
- Noah and R Pathak
- Wind Ensemble
- Camerata
- A Merritt
- Green Space
- Holden and Pearson Collective
- Out the Door
- IzzyPop
- Knight Moves
- Texas Flood
- Exponential Overload
- Little Big Band
- Headmaster Howe
- Lower School Choir
- Rare Groove
- Inki
- SC Allstars
- Big Band
- River Pirates
- Brothers in Arms
- Chorus
- Amy’s Revival
- Blumfield 5
- Out the Door & Guests
Please enjoy this video below that contains highlights of performances from the night. A full photo gallery can also be found below.
