In the latter half of the Spring Term, our ever-ambitious Music and Drama Departments came together to produce not one, but two fantastic performances. The first began in December, when rehearsals started for the annual Spring Musical; while the Music Department’s Spring Concert required weekly rehearsal from January onwards to create a programme highlighting varied works of classical music. 

Beginning with the song-writing sensation that is Dolly Parton, it was difficult to select a cast from the audition process – everyone was hugely courageous and talented – but we managed to hone it down to an incredibly strong cast and we were ready to go. Once we began the weekly rehearsal schedule, all cast members, from major leads, to minor leads and ensemble players, showed incredible commitment to the process of producing a high-quality show in the seven weeks we had to stage the production and we are so proud of their efforts. This is even more impressive considering ‘9 to 5’ is not a particularly easy show to pull off: the musical sequences were exceedingly complex, with crucial dialogue and vocal cues to learn. The show also contained some stronger themes which the performers took in their stride. Particular thanks to Sophia, Grace and Ava, our three lead roles, who were hard-working and consistent, and who even called extra rehearsals as we approached Opening Night to ensure the show was up to scratch.  

We would also like to congratulate students who took roles in the tech crew or in the band, without whom the show would not be able to go ahead. Laila, Seren, Sophia, Kitty, Rosa, and Eleanor all ensured that the cast were lit, heard, and looked after; while Matilda, Phoebe, and Amelie added their professional-level skills as clarinettist, guitarist, and bassist respectively to our 9-piece band. Each student taking on a responsibility such as this should be commended for their professionalism and ambition. If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket to either of the performances in early March, I am sure you will agree that the students excelled in every discipline, whether cast or crew, resulting in two joyous nights full of comedy, pathos and zest. 

Just a few weeks later, the Music Department staged the Spring Concert at the beautiful St Alfege Church in Greenwich. A huge amount of work went into developing the hugely diverse classical programme, with pieces ranging from the late 17th century to the mid 20th century. 

We are very proud of our Brass Ensemble who played two contrasting pieces led by Mr Deacon; our Need for Reed ensemble who tackled the ‘Rondo Alla Turca’ by Mozart with Mr Hignell at the helm; and our Clara Schumann string ensemble – directed by Ms Boylan – who mastered a particularly challenging piece of music by Brahms. Chamber Choir and Vocalise delivered stunning vocal pieces, and our Wind Quintet created a bit of magic with the Overture from ‘The Magic Flute’.  

Last up was Sinfonia, the school’s orchestra, who took on the incredibly ambitious task of tackling Bizet’s ‘Carmen Suite No. 1’, a 15-minute piece encompassing six individual movements which flow beautifully into one another. Performing the original orchestration of this piece meant learning some difficult phrases, and each student rose to the challenge, practising in their own time and perfecting passages with their instrumental teachers. Every corner of the orchestra played with passion and verve, understanding precisely what their role was in the wider picture to create a cohesive and exhilarating performance.  

We are thrilled with the performances, and we would like to thank teachers and the parents who facilitate and enable our rehearsals and performances. We hope that everyone enjoys their Easter break and we can’t wait to get cracking with some new theatre and music in the Summer Term!