Our final concert of the academic year took place on Wednesday 29th June. In front of the large audience gathered in the Memorial Hall, we were treated to a splendid performance brimming with potential. Predominantly, the performance was given by members of the Remove and Shell but credit should be given to a significant number of the Lower Sixth who supported the event in a number of different musical ways with such distinction.
The concert began with Oscar B (Sh) piping us in, which was a rousing start, before Alex Arkwright expertly directed the Concert Band in a performance of tremendous contrast and colour.
This was followed by the Sinfonia Strings with their dynamic director, Sara Stagg, in a presentation of energy, purpose and a ravishing string sound. Chris Gibbons has worked wonders with the Jazz Ensemble over the years and last night was no exception as he produced a great vibe with his budding jazzers.
Michael Butterfield should not be forgotten for his incredible work with the Junior Singers (surely the biggest choir of Junior Singers ever assembled?) which bodes very well for the future of the Chapel Choir. This was followed by two excellent performances by the Shell and Junior Percussion Ensembles who demonstrated fabulous commitment and vibrancy throughout.
The Saxophone Ensemble offered the penultimate performance of the evening revealing good rhythmic control and clever balance, before the Lower Sixth Percussion Ensemble rounded off the evening with an electric and pulsating finale.
If this concert is an example of what is in store in the future, then music continues to be in a very good place at the College.
Philip Dukes
Artistic Director
