Following a strong academic year of Christmas and classical music, the start of Summer brought us a fresh genre of pop and rock music.  

Before delving into our summer of fun, we want to highlight a wonderful mini concert held before Easter and put together by Ms McGhee, who teaches many of our girls Voice, Piano and Music Theory. Her informal concert invites girls to perform for each other in a safe space. This term’s theme was ‘Diva Duets’ and required each performance to be a duo of some variety. We had students singing together, piano duets, voice and guitar, and even a lovely rendition involving voice and cello. Many of the performances spanned year groups, including a Sixth Former performing alongside a Year 9 student. Thanks to Ms McGhee for organising such a lovely event. 

At Blackheath High School, we are very lucky to have three rock bands spread across Years 8 – 11, who delivered exceptional performances at Pop Fest, our first event of the Summer term. Mini Rock Band started the party with ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ by Jet; Year 9 Rock Band delivered a harmony-filled version of ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell; and Year 11 Rock Band performed some crackers, ending with the joyous and vibrant ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire. Big congratulations to Year 9 Rock Band, as Pop Fest marked their first public performance - here’s to many more! And a big thank you to Mr Luckett and Mr Denman who continue to lead rehearsals for these bands weekly. 

Wind ensemble Need for Reed produced a joyous medley of ABBA songs, arranged by Mr Hignall with his trademark joy, which proved impossible not to sing along to. An Adele medley, arranged by Mr Denman for the Rollin’ Tones, rang out loud and proud in occasional 5-part harmony; followed by Mr Peszynski leading Jazz Band in renditions of ‘Recorda Me’ by Joe Henderson and ‘Take Five’ by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which allowed Amelie, Phoebe and Stephanie to improvise impressive solos over a 5/4 time signature. Another highlight was Phoebe and Charlotte who performed an intimate, moving acoustic rendition of ‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman. 

We are very proud of all of our performers who brought energy and professionalism to Pop Fest. Thanks also to the caretakers who set up the Theatre cabaret style, making for a much more intimate experience. We know that our girls gain so much joy and mental wellbeing from performing in groups such as this, so thank you to everyone who came and supported this brilliant event.   

The Music Department is always looking forward to the next concert or event, but for now, we would like to wish our students the best of luck in their exams over the coming months. You all have the knowledge and skill to exceed expectations and prove that Music as a subject is academic, creative and necessary, and we are so proud of all of your achievements to date. Break a leg, and don’t forget to pop across to the Music Office for a quick hello!