Last night, Friday 28^th June, the Auden Theatre hosted the much-anticipated Music Revue 2024, a spectacular concert that celebrated a year of exceptional musical achievements and bid farewell to our incredible Year 13 pupils. The event was a fitting conclusion to the 2023/24 academic year, highlighting the diverse talent and dedication of our pupils. 

The concert opened with Jimmy T’s introduction, where he recounted the excitement of re-establishing the Steinway status and celebration of the new fleet of pianos. This set the stage for the powerful performance of “Jupiter,” featuring five pianos in the foyer, played by Jimmy T, Matilda F, Emily M, Ferdinand v D and Milan H, with support from Mrs. Wolfe, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Carr. 

Tamsin S then took the stage to share her journey that has culminated in her acceptance to the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Her performance of Glitter and Be Gay accompanied by the orchestra showcased her impressive vocal development. 

Next, Larkin A gave a heartfelt introduction about his experiences, and treated us to his incredible performance of Tonight at Eight, first performed in the A-Level recital – reflecting his growth and dedication over the years.  These vocal performances are testament to the commitment of the pupils and guidance from Toby Girling.  

The evening continued with Alexandre S, George B, Edward D M and Eduvie O, who shared insights into their studio work and the impact of Gresham’s Studio and Music Technology opportunities. Their segment included a showcase of their compositions, highlighting the creative spirit nurtured at Gresham’s, all under the expert guidance of Justin Myers and Chris Cooper.  

Ruby S captivated the audience with stories of her time in various musicals throughout her school years. Her performance of “Cabaret” was a nostalgic nod to her theatrical journey at Gresham’s. 

Michelle W recounted the memorable moments from her Pop Concert experiences and then performed a stripped back version of “Dive”, which was a standout, demonstrating the high calibre of our pop musicians. 

Larkin A, Ruby S, Jemima T, and Tamsin S collaborated on an “Amelie” medley, performing Where Do We Go from Here and Times are Hard for Dreamers, which beautifully captured the essence of their shared musical experiences. 

Jimmy T returned to the stage to talk about his extensive involvement in the Messiah and Choral Society concerts over the last five years. His solo performance of Ombra Mai Fu was a testament to his commitment and passion for choral music. This was followed by Schola Cantorum’s poignant rendition of And So It Goes, providing a reflective moment in the concert. These opportunities have been led and directed by Mark Jones, accompanied by Martin Holford.  

Jemima T then took the spotlight to discuss her journey and achievements, concluding with her emotive performance of Oscar Winning Tears, which left the audience in awe. The orchestra was directed by Thomas Carr, and we sadly bid him farewell after four spectacular years at Gresham’s.  

The concert also served as a farewell to our Year 13 pupils and their contributions over the years, which have left an indelible mark on Gresham’s musical landscape, and their performances at the Revue 2024 were a testament to their talent and hard work. 

A joyous celebration of Drama and Dance in the guise of a village fete took place on 14^th July which sadly, due to unseasonable weather, moved into the Auden Theatre. Undeterred pupils performed comic scenes and a short play by Alan Ayckbourn with huge energy and joy. The evening centred around Gosforth’s Fete where all that could go wrong, did go wrong, including an escapee pig! 

Performers involved were:  

Olga B, Isaac B, William M, Aaron S Pullo W, Hennie D, Olivia E, Miriam G, Alex H, Austin L, Scarlett H and Irene T

Dancers: Olga B Layla K Emily M Jemima W Faith R

Tech by: Harry L

Well done to Year 12 pupils Vera C, Sammy H, Limony A and Jesse R who have been shortlisted for Norwich University of the Art’s Norfolk Art and Design Competition. Entrants must be currently studying in Sixth Form or College within Norfolk and the competition is open to all mediums.

We were delighted to take the Concert Band to the Royal Norfolk Show on Wednesday 26^th June to play on the main Band Stand, and to perform in the main grand ring with the ‘Brass Funkey’s’ as part of the Norfolk Music Hub partnership. Concert Played for 30 minutes, showcasing their set ahead of the tour to Paris planned for October 2024, with a range of well-known popular hits from ‘God Only Know’s to ‘More Cowbell’. The experience for the pupils of then playing in the grand ring was exceptional, with over 200 musicians playing together.  

The Gospel Service featured contemporary music from junior choir (Year 9-10) who performed two uplifting pop songs with a Christian theme, both backed by a small band of pupils and staff. In ‘Together’ by For King and Country, Lucy C was the soloist, and in ‘Higher Love’ by Steve Winwood, Olivia E sang the solo. For the anthem, singers from Year 12 performed ‘You Will Be Found’ from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. Rory R performed the solo part, accompanied by the full school orchestra in a rousing arrangement that swelled to a dramatic conclusion.

On Friday 7th June at the final Music and Munch of the year, a packed crowd was treated to a varied programme of voice and instrumental. The Strings Ensemble had its final outing of the year and performed Palladio by Karl Jenkins. This was a fitting tribute to Mr Culpin who has led strings brilliantly over the past year and will sadly be leaving us at the end of this term. Arthur C played his trumpet with exquisite tone and our Year 13 leavers, Tamsin S, Jimmy T, Jemima P, Will B and Larkin A gave performances that highlighted the exceptional musicians they have all become. We will miss them and wish them well as they leave Gresham’s for pastures new. 

On Monday 3rd June, six of our foremost instrumentalists were given the rare opportunity to work with a professional string quartet in an evening workshop, developing their skills performing classical concert repertoire and leading an ensemble. They then went on to perform their solos alongside the quartet in a recital on Wednesday 5th June to a large and appreciative audience. Milan H arranged 8 minutes of music from John Powell’s soundtrack of How To Train Your Dragon for piano and string quartet which he very impressively performed from memory. Emily M performed a movement from Boccherini’s last Piano Quintet, Meg O on clarinet performed the lyrical ‘Forlana’ from Finzi’s Five Bagatelles and Ferdinand von D performed the slow movement of the 1st Piano Quintet by Louise Farrenc. Sophie L gave performances on both clarinet and saxophone – of the famous 2nd movement of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto and Shostakovich’s popular Waltz No 2, and Isadora A played the principal solo part in the second movement of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto. 

On Friday 21^st June, “Theatre in the Woods” came alive with an eclectic mix of music and vibrant performances for the annual Pop Concert. The event featured an impressive lineup of talented musicians, ensuring a night to remember for all in attendance. Here’s a detailed look at the setlist that had everyone dancing, singing, and enjoying the unforgettable atmosphere. 

The night began with a heartfelt rendition of See You Again by Jemima T and Eduvie O, supported by Milan H, Benny S, Timothei F the brass section. Following this, Empire State of Mind saw the addition of Heidi W and OG Jethro Holmes to the stage, along with the brass, creating a powerful and harmonious soundscape. 

Albert W then took the lead on Hotline Bling, bringing a unique twist to the popular hit, followed by Michelle W’s energetic performance of Rock Your Body with full instrumental support, including guitar and brass. Naomi H-S’s Unwritten had the crowd singing along, with Benny S, Timothei, and Milan H providing solid backing. 

Emily M’s touching Time After Time slowed things down, allowing for a moment of reflection before Olga B to the stage with an electrifying rendition of Material Girl, which saw the full ensemble, including Jimmy T and Jethro, back on stage. Sergio S’s medley of Twist and Shout got everyone moving again, with enthusiastic backing vocals and instrumentals. 

Ilana B’s hauntingly beautiful My Future and Zinnia-Claire B’s When the Party’s Over continued to showcase the diverse range of talent. Limony A, with the indie band lineup, delivered an energetic Where Is My Mind and followed up with a punk-infused American Idiot. 

The first set concluded with Tamsin S’s smooth performance of What You Won’t Do for Love and Pullo W’s lively Mambo Number 5, both performances highlighting the versatility and breadth of the night’s musical acts. 

The second set kicked off with Jimmy T’s dynamic Let’s Dance, featuring Heidi W, Eduvie O, Charlie P and Timothei F on percussion, Jethro shredding on guitar, and the brass section. The energy remained high with the En Vogue classic Don’t Let Go, performed by Jemima T, Michelle W, and Tamsin S supported by a full ensemble. 

Rory R’s Careless Whisper brought a nostalgic touch, with exquisite contributions from Heidi W, Charlie P, Eduvie O, Jethro, and Henry J. Another highlight was the stirring rendition of Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, performed by Rory Ri, Milan H, Charlie P, Eduvie O, Jimmy T, and Heidi W. 

The seamless transitions continued with Heidi W’s solo on Stay, Milan H accompanying on piano, creating a beautifully intimate moment. Alma D R and Angelika J then took the stage for a spirited Rumour Has It, joined by Josh K, Charlie P and Jimmy T. 

Ruby S’s performances of Dog Days Are Over and Four Five Seconds, supported by Charlie P, Josh K, Jimmy T, and Inez C kept the momentum going. Reva S’s Suddenly I See, and Larkin As Tainted Love added further variety and flair. 

The night shifted gears as the Rock Band took over, with Jimmy T’s keys leading Alright, followed by energetic renditions of All the Small Things and Say It Ain’t So with Eduvie O. Parklife, featuring Jimmy T on keys, Spike C, and Freddie G rounded off the rock set. 

As the night drew to a close, the audience was treated to a mesmerizing outro with M83, leaving everyone with lasting memories of a truly special evening. 

The Pop Concert in the Theatre in the Woods concert was a remarkable showcase of musical talent and diversity. 

Gresham’s pupils and staff celebrated Pride Month in our own unique way by making 19th June a day to dress up in clothes representing an aspect of our identity of which we are proud. The day saw an array of wonderful outfits: sumptuous African clothing, Chinese farmers’ hats, Egyptian skirts, football scarves and t shirts, Mr Majid in his Invictus t shirt, Mrs Mousley in a tiara having traced her family tree back to Edward I, Mrs Corder in a Brazil top celebrating her Brazilian heritage, Ms Masters in a Haida Pride t shirt celebrating her great great great grandmother, a native Canadian of the Haida tribe, and Mr Robb in colourful tartan trews and Liverpool tie, showcasing dual aspects of his identity.

We were treated to a fascinating presentation in chapel by Albert W and Mojo A who wore, respectively, traditional Ghanaian fugu and kente and Nigerian iro and buba, and explained how these outfits feature in their culture. Inviting the congregation to stand and talk a little about their choice of dress, we heard from Pullo W dressed as a Polish priest, who said: “I come from a Polish background. Poland is a traditionally Roman Catholic nation, so the purpose of my outfit was to represent the deeply-rooted Catholic culture and traditions Poland has acquired over the years.” Austin L wore a vibrant orange turban which he explained represents his Sikh religion. An eye-catching Ms Fielding explained her outfit thus: “It is only as I have got older that I have begun to understand the relevance of birthplace and how it forms part of my identity. It felt therefore only right to wear the colours of the Zambian flag on diversity day: green, orange, black and red. I wore my bright and clashing outfit with immense pride and remembered how being born in Zambia is part of who I am.”

Later in the day, the catering team came up trumps yet again with a delicious lunch of jerk butternut squash, jerk chicken salad and caramelised bananas, following our new tradition of an annual Afro-Caribbean-themed meal. We hope to repeat the day again next year and look forward to an even larger exhibition of outfits to celebrate aspects of our identities we might not otherwise share.