Choral Society Concert

Our annual Lent Term Choral Society culminated in a rousing performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah on Sunday 5 March, conducted by Mark Jones. Over 60 people made up of keen singers from the local area, parents and staff were joined by an impressive soloist count of 18 pupils, who tacked with great aplomb the many arias and recitatives that make up this great work. They joined the main choir in all the chorus and Freddie S, Naomi H-S and Ilana B juggled choral scores with orchestral scores and also played with the guest orchestra. All soloists deserve a mention as, as is the Gresham’s way, they are involved in so much, including for some finalising Year 13 course work, mock exams, rehearsing for Phantom of the Opera and Will J and Jake O even managed to slip in a half marathon in Cambridge that morning!  Congratulations therefore to Julius R, Jimmy T, Will J, Rory R, Milan H, Raphael C, Johnny D, Jake O,  Will B, Freddie S, Naomi H-S, Mia W, Sophie L, Bea G, Zinny B, Ilana B, Reva S, Ruby S and Tamsin S for their achievement, commitment and wonderful performances.

A Level Recital EveninG

As part of the A level Music course, pupils are required to record a recital in a discipline of their choice (voice or instrumental) to fulfil the requirements of the performance module which carries 35% of the final mark.

On Wednesday 1 March, the 6 boys of the Year 13 Music set performed their pieces in Fishmongers’ Recital Hall to an appreciative and, by the end of the evening, a very impressed audience as the standard of all was exceptional. Accompanied by Ed Raison on drums and Mr Myers on bass, Jake O, opened the evening with his jazz piano set, playing 3 pieces which showcased his strengths. Highlighting the diverse range of music in the department, Jethro H gave a very professional performance on electric guitar, including pieces by Simon Troup and Steely Dan. Freddie S followed on, showcasing the trumpet as a solo instrument, playing a piece by J. E Barat. Noah W included two difficult Bach studies on his cello as well as the very enjoyable and fun piece ‘The Train Whistle’ by Minsky in his recital. The only singer, Johnny D opened with ‘Something’s Coming’ from West Side Story before turning to more classical pieces by Debussy, Schumann and Mendelssohn and Will J closed the evening with the first movement Beethoven’s Sonata in E, nicely balanced with a contemporary piece by Sculthorpe, ‘Snow, Moon and Flowers’.

EPTA Piano CompetitioN

Gresham’s hosted a regional round of the European Piano Teachers’ Association (EPTA) in February this year which saw Music Scholar, Rose T in Year 11, along with two Prep School pupils make it through to the final round in Covent Garden, London on Sunday 5 March. Following the round in a venue she knew, Rose reported the day was more of a challenge, with so many categories and little time to play on an unfamiliar piano. However, not deterred, Rose played extremely well and came second in her advanced class. Playing two contrasting pieces, ‘Valse’ by Chopin and ‘Cascades’ by Scott Joplin, the competition was a valuable performance opportunity away from the familiar territory of school and Rose found it to be a confidence-building and enjoyable experience. Interesting too to be able to sit and listen to other competitors and note their different styles and techniques.