On Tuesday 11th November, we were delighted to welcome pupils from Christ Church Cathedral School, Oxford, to our Music Department for an exciting day of music-making and exploration.
The visiting musicians immersed themselves in a range of activities including a Piano Masterclass with our Head of Keyboard, Miss Toomer, and Graduate Music Assistant, Mr Cochrane; an improvisation and percussion workshop led by Mr Arkwright, as Head of Instrumental Studies, and Mr Johnson who is Head of Percussion; and in a music technology lesson with Mr Cox, Master in Charge of Music Technology, where they recorded their own voices to add to a dance track.
During their visit, pupils also had the chance to explore the Chapel and its magnificent organ with our College Organist, Mr Byrne; take part in a Junior Consort rehearsal with some of our own Choristers; and observe the Chapel Choir in action during a rehearsal.
Their Director of Music, Ms Sophie Biddell wrote to say, “We were absolutely bowled over by your care and planning of brilliant activities to really stretch and interest them”.
It was a joy for Marlborough to work alongside such eager, bright, and talented musicians, and to see their enthusiasm and curiosity develop throughout the day. We hope the experience has inspired them to continue developing their musical talents, and we hope to see them at Marlborough once again soon.
Adam Meehan-Staines
Deputy Director of Music
