We have been expanding our musical experiences this past half term in the Music School with the opportunity to share expertise and music-making with a wider audience.
With the gradual move towards a period of whole school examinations the performance programme becomes a little quieter. We began the term with the fourth concert in our Old House Recital Series at the end of April, featuring soloists from Years 7-10. Amongst other music, we were offered the sumptuous song Après un rêve by Fauré and a delightful Chopin Mazurka. We heard impressive range in a piece by Gouffé on double bass, the first time we have programmed a double bass piece in a solo recital; as well as the expansive Rêverie by Glazunov on French horn. Our Year 10 IGCSE students performed in their summer assessed Recitals in the early part of May with an impressively wide range of instruments and pieces.
With most of the Senior School on exams this past week, the Music School puts together a series of events aimed at widening the access and experience of music. On Monday 18th May we hosted our annual Year 4 Choral Day, as part of the Eureka Schools Programme, the NLCS school partnership programme directed through the Ideas Hub. 80 children from local Primary Schools as well as our own Year 4 came together under the direction of our Choral Lead, Ms James, to sing together. The day explored vocal production and technique as well as challenging the students to perform together as a choir. The day was a tremendous success, ending with a short concert for parents.
NLCS Singapore Music Department was on Tour in London this week and we were very excited to welcome their students and staff to the Music School on Tuesday 19th May for a day of musical rehearsals and workshops. Some of our Year 12 musicians were able to join with the Singapore students in an orchestral workshop led by Philharmonia; as well as choral rehearsals led by our own music staff. Our students will be joining NLCS Singapore for the final concert of their Tour on Friday 22nd May at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.
Wednesday 20th May saw us welcome once again our own Year 5 Junior students to the Music School for a day experiencing what it is like to study music in the Senior School. The students were engaged in a number of learning activities led by our music staff including keyboard skills, improvisation and choir. At the end of the day, the students presented a selection of their achievements for an audience of parents and their own class teachers.
Have a wonderful Bank Holiday and Half Term.
Scott R McCall
Director of Music
