On Monday, we held our Autumn Concert at the Croydon Minster. For many students, it had been almost two years since the last live concert was put on at Old Palace, and for the current Year 7s and 8s it was the first concert they’ve been involved in at this school since arriving.
Naturally, this was a very highly anticipated event this term, and our choirs, ensembles and soloists had been working extremely hard in the lead up to the concert. The concert had something for everyone, from lively numbers from Steel Pans and Training Orchestra, a rousing rendition of the Overture from Mozart’s Magic Flute from Senior Orchestra, sensitive ensemble work from the clarinet trio, as well as moving choral pieces from Chamber Choir, Year 7 and 8 Choir and Prep Polyphonic. Year 7 and Prep Polyphonic combined to perform a number of pieces from the vocal collection ‘Friday Afternoons’ by Britten and it was clear to all that they had been working with real enthusiasm and diligence in learning these songs in lessons and rehearsals. The concert ended with a spirited and joyous performance of a medley of songs from Sister Act from Senior Choir.
The Music department would like to congratulate all our choirs, orchestras, ensembles and all of our Year 7 students for this memorable concert. Well done also to our fantastic soloists who performed in the evening – Annie in Year 7, Celeste in Year 10 and Jessica in Year 13 – who all gave excellent performances. The commitment from the students in the rehearsal process was outstanding with some students attending up to five rehearsals a week. This was all made clear to the audience as the standard of performances was extremely impressive.
Thank you to all the members of staff that made this possible. Thank you to all of the music teachers, Mr Griffith, Miss Orr, Miss Kolpaktchi, Miss Fitzgerald and Mr Dowie, and particular thanks to Ms Cepuliene and other support staff, without whom this event would not have been possible.
James Griffith, Director of Music