Orchestra experience
A short but no less musically-fulfilling term began with our youngest prep school pupils making the short journey to the Festival Theatre to hear Southern Pro Musica, a professional orchestra of musicians who are all based on the south coast, including our own Mrs Peskett (viola). Having learnt about various orchestral instruments in their class music lessons over the previous term, it was a great chance to see them in action. For some, this will have been their first experience of hearing live music, but hopefully not the last!
Five music scholars. Seven scholarships awarded!
We are delighted that five of our pupils, who enjoy and play so passionately on their instruments, have been awarded seven music scholarships by senior schools. Hugest congratulations to James, Xander, Steven, Oscar and Charlie.
"I am very proud of these five pupils and their incredible achievements on their instruments. These children are an amazing example to the younger pupils, who see what can be achieved through hard work. For me and the music department, it is very rewarding to see this hard work come to fruition. The ethos in the school is hugely supportive of music, and our many musical endeavors are a vital and inclusive part of the day to day school experience. We have a wonderful team of peripatetic teachers who always go the extra mile for our pupils and these awards are to their credit too.
"We look forward to following these pupils’ musical careers at their next schools - and beyond - with interest."
Mr Dichmont, Director of Music
Our music scholars' concert
The same week saw our own Music Scholars take to the stage for the annual Scholars' Concert. All those holding music awards at school took part, from Y3-8, showcasing a wide variety of musical styles. It is a wonderful opportunity for both our most seasoned performers to try out their senior school scholarship programmes, and those just starting out on their musical journeys to be inspired by the older children.
World music
Jim Bernardin returned once again to entertain Y3-5 with his infectious enthusiasm for world music, this year with a focus on the music of the Caribbean. There were steel pans a-plenty and a multitude of other instruments to hit and shake as we were transported to the carnival atmosphere of these amazing islands. Parents were even tempted onto the stage to take part, too!
Inter-Patrol Songs and Ensembles Competition
The hotly-anticipated Inter-Patrol Songs and Ensembles Competition is always a favourite event in the calendar. It was preceded this year by the Year 3 Recorder Competition, which saw all pupils in Year 3 compete in tiered classes in front of judge, Mrs Davies, who is herself an accomplished musician.
New to this year was a sub-competition for the budding pianists in the year group, which saw each patrol represented by two pupils playing a duet. Congratulations to all of Year 3 for taking part, and especially to Seb B and Quentin H of Tigers for winning the piano duet, and to the Otters for winning the overall competition with 21 points.
The evening's event saw each patrol sing three songs by The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night, Penny Lane and All my Loving, accompanied by a patrol drummer and conductor. Jason Marconi, Director of Music at Dorset House made a return appearance as our adjudicator and was clearly impressed by all that he heard and saw. In the end, and in a first for the school, it was a tie that saw the Owls and the Panthers share first place! Best drummer was Henry M and Best Conductor was Hettie H.
Ovation Rock Show
Our Rock Band can be heard across the school rehearsing with Mr Soothill and Mr Berkley on a Thursday lunchtime, and we were delighted that they were once again asked to take part in the Ovation Rock Show at the Minerva theatre in Chichester, performing Zombie by The Cranberries. Playing alongside student bands from across the region, they certainly did us proud. Well done to all involved!
Oliver!
The Year 5 and 6 production of Oliver! was another smash-hit for the music and drama departments. This year we were pleased to do three performances: the first to the rest of the school, the second a community performance to pupils from Portfield Primary School and resident from Lakeview Grange Care Home, and the third to family and friends. There were stand-out performances from Ella C as Nancy, Ivan H as Fagin, Jack T as Dodger and of course Aidan M as Oliver. However, it really was a fantastic team effort from both year groups, so congratulations to you all.
Music exams
Congratulations too to the following, all of whom received Distinctions in their music exams this term:
Imogen C - Initial Violin
Minnie D - Initial Piano
Dylan S - Grade 1 Oboe
Bertie C - Grade 3 Singing
Annabel W-L - Grade 4 Oboe
Rufus D - Grade 5 Singing
Chapel Choir prepare for Vienna
Lastly, it has been a very busy term for the Chapel Choir as they prepare for their tour of Vienna in April. Three concerts, at Midhurst Parish Church, Harting Church and Boxgrove Priory have been a great rehearsal platform for the choir, sometimes joined by some extra instrumentalists too, and all three concerts raised around £1000 each for choir tour funds. Thank you to all of you who have supported the choir this term. We look forward to seeing lots of you in Vienna!