Category: Music
Our Field Day last Friday saw students from Year 7 to 13 take part in a host of different Seckford Scheme activities, as has become tradition in School twice each year.
Year 7 students took part in calligraphy lessons, participating in the exercise of Ba Duan Jin and made music in drumming lessons. Year 8 students took part in self-defence and first aid, while Year 9 Army and RAF cadets visited Duxford, where they had the chance to board Concorde and other aircraft, as well as seeing planes on the runway.
Our Climbing Group visited Highball Climbing Centre in Norwich and tried out new and different climbs, and our older cadets headed off on exciting overnights. Our respective Heads of Sections report below.
Year 13’s Ollie, Head of Army, Colour Sergeant
At 0900 hours the advanced party of NCOs left for RAF Barnham, this early start allowed them to set up for the different stands and recce the ground. Later the rest of the cadets arrived.
Having been split into platoons under both mine and Year 13’s Oscar’s command they set up in the harbour areas – before we lost the light. Following the ambush recce earlier in the day, we briefed our platoons and rehearsed the ambush. Under the cover of darkness, the two platoons left for their separate ambush locations. Shivering in the cold we didn’t have to wait too long for the enemy to appear and we sprung our ambushes. With mission complete we patrolled back to the harbour areas and settled in for a extremely cold night under the stars.
The following morning the cadets rotated through five different stands: CQB (close quarter battles), stalk, observation, navigation, and defensive position. Each of these stands presented a unique challenge allowing the section commanders to show their resilience and adaptability with each task and demonstrating their leadership skills alongside their 2IC. The most challenging stand, the defensive position, required organisation while under pressure with the section 2IC ensuring that things ran smoothly, keeping a track of ammunition while defending their position from the enemy.
Overall, the two days were a success providing everyone with valuable experience in leadership, and the cadets in teamwork and tactical operations allowing them to get a taste of high stakes exercises that challenge you both mentally and physically. Most importantly a special mention to the staff and NCOs who allow this can go ahead and run smoothly.
Alongside the Army overnight, Navy cadets sailed out from the historic Gosport Marina, Year 13’s Ewan reports:
Year 13’s Ewan, Head of Navy
Navy cadets sailed – and motorboated – out from the historic Gosport Marina, manoeuvring past impressive vessels such as the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and Admiral Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory. Leaving Gosport, the cadets navigated their way across The Solent, showing initiative by helping to plan their route to account for the distinct tides surrounding the Isle of White, and using their knotting skills to tie up the fenders and stow the sheets.
After spending the night sheltered in Cowes, the cadets woke up early to sally out into the strait and perform some boating exercises. By midday, the cadets enjoyed a picnic on the water and made their way back to Gosport in the afternoon.
A good experience for all, with many new memories made.
Year 13’s Hugh, Head of RAF
The RAF Cadets had a superb Field Day, as we always do, having the opportunity to take part in lots of different activities throughout the day.
We thoroughly enjoyed Laser Quest, it’s always a firm favourite with everyone, but it was also great to have the chance to take part in air rifle shooting, paintball, gun run, a confidence course and zip wire. We were all really pleased to achieve new records on gun run – as well as the confidence course!
It was a busy but exciting day for RAF Cadets, thanks go to everyone involved including the students as well as teachers that made this possible.
As part of Field Day last week, our Director of Music, Jonathan Woodley, encouraged students from Years 10 to 13 to consider what they might like to do, rather than dictate the session himself.
Ever enthusiastic and highly ambitious and creative, these young musicians decided they would like to record cover versions of songs by Etta James and Nina Simone.
Mr Woodley commented on his decision to hand the power over to his students for their Field Day activity,
“By giving students the freedom to make these kinds of choices it empowers and motivates them, as well as creating desire, interest and broadening their approach to making music – it’s the perfect storm!”
He continued,
“I explained to each of them that I wouldn’t be writing the music for them, they would have to figure out the chords for themselves and work together to put on a performance ahead of recording it. I take a similar approach with all of my students – encouraging them to learn to play with sheet music as well as without – playing by ear is just as important a skill for young musicians, and one that is often overlooked. Every lesson, rehearsal and even this Field Day is an opportunity to learn, to improve and to realise what they’re able to accomplish with hard work and focus.”
Talking more about his approach to teaching music in general he shared,
“Even when we have a band or an orchestra, I have an expectation of each musician taking ownership of the part they play – pardon the pun – and ensuring that they have a learning opportunity each and every time. There’s little point giving them a piece of music they could easily perform, the purpose of learning more about themselves, their instruments, playing together and music in general is to stretch them, taking them out of their comfort zone slightly and most importantly give them the opportunity to improve – which they always do!”
He continued,
“I’ll often hear students share their concerns that they can’t play the piece they’ve been given in an orchestra, worried it’s beyond their current capabilities – but that’s the whole point, and by the end, when it comes to the live performance, they can always do what they worried they couldn’t. Because they’ve learned to!”
It’s clear to see the students thoroughly enjoyed Field Day, and by all accounts they recorded some super music. Well done everyone!
On Tuesday evening we said a final farewell to our Year 13 students, with a musical extravaganza that they had put together themselves.
The beautiful summer evening started on the Chapel lawn with picnics and Pimm’s as we were treated to some great covers from our bands.
Everyone then enjoyed refreshments in School Hall where we were immersed in the astounding musical talents of our leavers.
It was hugely evident that music has been a significant part of these students’ time here at Woodbridge School. Family, friends and staff were reminded of the hidden talents of our students and it was a fitting way to end the musical year.
Well done to all those involved and all our best wishes to each and every one on your journey from here on.
Parents, friends and family joined us in School on Wednesday night, for our Percussion Concert.
An evening of percussion has become a firm favourite in our Music calendar for all involved. If you saw the tables, glasses, wine, and programmes you might have been fooled into thinking a serene evening was in store.
As you casted your eyes further into School Hall, marimba, xylophone, snare drums, timpani, drum kit and other instruments that make up percussion were visible – and so too was the realisation that this evening was going to be anything but serene!
As students from both our Prep and Senior Schools readied themselves for the start, the evening began with Bounce Back by the Percussion Ensemble.
What followed was an exciting array of music ranging from Another One Bites the Dust by Queen, Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, leaving Jai Ho! ringing in the ears of the audience.
An enormous well done to Year 8’s Sheryl, Digby, William and Tahir, Year 7’s Angus, Year 6’s Ethan and Nina, Year 5’s Zach, Year 4’s Charlie, and of course Mrs Seed, who is responsible for leading this unique concert.
An uplifting evening enjoyed by all; thank you if you came along to watch and support, this is always a great opportunity for our students to experience live performing!
Thank you to everyone who joined us in School on Monday evening for our Lent Concert and to all our students who performed. Year 13’s Ollie reports on the evening, as a member of the audience as well as a performer.
Year 13’s Ollie
Parents and students alike were treated to an absolutely brilliant concert on Monday night in the Seckford theatre, when the music department put on their Easter showcase.
The evening featured an incredibly wide range of acts, from Symphony Orchestra to Rock Band, and Chamber Orchestra to Swing Band. One particular highlight was being able to watch the band from the recent whole School musical perform for one last time, with brilliant vocals from Year 12’s James and Xander, reprising their iconic roles from the production.
The concert was an absolute pleasure to watch and perform in, and has certainly set a high bar for the Festival of Voices vocal concert, which takes place at St Mary’s Church on Friday 26 April.
Thank you to everyone who came along to support our musicians, and we hope to see you all at future concerts!
The school offers a wealth of opportunities for our numerous budding percussionists, and our percussion room is extremely well stocked with an enviable range of professional standard instruments including orchestral marimba, vibraphone, timpani and djembes.
Our Percussion Ensemble meets regularly to perform together – something of a rarity in a school and certainly something we’re extremely proud of. The presence and quantity of ensemble musicians has attracted the attention of musical directors putting on a performance in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, which is rather exciting.
Our Director of Music, Mr Woodley shared,
“We are extremely excited to have been approached to provide percussion for a big opera production next year – I can’t share any more details than that right now, but it’s a true reflection of the ability and talent our students have and we’re delighted to have been asked!”
He continued, sharing details of the School’s Percussion Teacher, Kyomi Seed,
“We’re truly blessed to have the talent and enthusiasm of Kyomi in School each Wednesday and Thursday – and she also teaches at our Prep School, our students certainly enjoy and benefit from their time spent together.”
He continued,
“Access to and experience of music and musical instruments is so vital for learning, and also incredibly fun! We’re so pleased to welcome such talent into Woodbridge School for our students to experience, learn and benefit from.”
Kyomi studied at The Julliard School in New York where she achieved a Master of Music Performance, Florida State University where she received a Bachelor of Music Performance and has an Australian Kodlay Music Certificate in Education. With truly magnificent orchestral experience, including the Aurora Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Illinois Symphony Orchestra to name but a few, our students benefit from her wealth of experience and passion for percussion!
Not only did our School musicians provide the entire musical accompaniment to the whole School musical Little Shop of Horrors recently, but Mr Woodley, our Director of Music, has also been holding Rock Band after School club and teaching students about the importance and impact of music in film in his Film Music Composition lessons.
Music for Little Shop of Horrors
Our whole School musical took place the week before half term, we hope you managed to get tickets to see the sell-out performances, and experience and hear our wonderful musicians provide all of the musical accompaniment for each of the five shows.
Ordinarily students’ theatrical performances feature our own as well as outsourced musicians, brought in to support and complement our own music provision, to enhance and capture each scene of School performances. However, the decision was made this year for the band to be solely sourced from our own pool of talented and confident musicians, and what a delight it was to hear them play throughout, as our musical Little Shop of Horrors told the story of Seymour, Mushnik and Audrey.
Mr Woodley said,
“It was incredible to see and hear our students playing in the pit during the performances, I had the pleasure of conducting as well as contributing, playing the guitar for some of the scenes. Watching our students prepare and commit to perform for the show has been wonderful, and I believe they’ve learned a great deal as well as thoroughly enjoyed the experience – particularly playing live to a packed out theatre five times in a row! Exhausting, but exhilarating!”
He continued,
“Some of our students played more than one instrument, and watching them pick up and play in between different scenes, feeling and understanding the difference their instruments made and contributed – was wonderful for me and them. Well done to all of them, I’m incredibly proud.”
Film Music Composition
As part of their music lessons in School each week, Year 8 have been having great fun working with Mr Woodley on Film Music Composition. Students attend the lesson, spend time watching and considering the musical element of different films, and then take time to compose their own piece of music for particular scenes; considering what those scenes needs in order to elevate the film beyond the visual element.
Watching Guardians of the Galaxy on the screen, Year 8 have thoroughly enjoyed working on the Marvel superhero film, Mr Woodley commented,
“This film is providing great food for thought when it comes to learning about the importance and impact of music, and is certainly inspiring our young musicians to get creative! It’s not enough to have brilliant actors, film sets and scenes – they only really come to life when the musical element comes into play, and we’ve been taking time to appreciate the importance of different instruments, tones, rhythms and beats when it comes to portraying emotions in film. It’s been a great experience and I really think our students are thinking about this more than they ever were when they’re watching films now! It’s a really fun and interesting way to learn about the importance and relevance of music, to appreciate how dynamic is can be, and the way it influences interpretation in film.”
Rock Band Club
Inviting students from Years 7, 8 and 13, Rock Band Club is open to every student, no matter what their level or instrument, or even experience might be, and provides an opportunity for enrichment – and enjoyment.
Even for those that have never played before, this after School club provides students with the chance to consider instruments they’d like to play, and teaches them about transferring and/or learning new musical skills, including those relating to working as part of a larger group of musicians.
“This club supports students’ learning from the classroom and possibly private tuition, in a fun and engaging way. Even if they don’t play an instrument already, they can come along, pick something up and have a go, and for those already learning particular instruments, they’re able to try alternatives, learning how to transfer learned skills and experience music in a different way. The songs played are decided by the students, it’s a great and fun way to teach them how to explore music and instruments, and teaches confidence.”
explained Mr Woodley. He continued,
“There’s no other feeling quite like playing in a band, and no other way to get the feeling that can only come from seeing and experiencing the power of rock!”
The club takes place every Tuesday during term time, from 4.30pm in Music Room 1, and is open to all students no matter what their level of instrument playing.
For more information, visit Music Studies.
“Don’t feed the plants!”
Little Shop of Horrors Delights and Delivers as Whole School Performs to Sell Out Audiences
If you managed to get tickets to see this year’s whole School musical Little Shop of Horrors, you will know for yourself what a tantalising and exceptional performance it was for all who had the chance to see it- and be involved in it!
Students from every year group across the School performed on stage, supported by musicians, designers, technicians and teachers – everyone involved can be extremely and exceptionally proud of the preparation, commitment and dedication they’d made, and that was clearly evident in each and every performance, no matter what part they played in ensuring our audiences were delighted, to say the least.
The energy of every show was evident from the moment you entered the theatre, until the minute you stood to offer the standing ovation – it was an electric atmosphere, on stage and in the audience, and a feast for absolutely every sense!
The Story of Two Audreys
The opening scene saw the audience join Seymour in Mushnik’s florist down on Skid Row; working alongside the love of his life (unbeknown to her) Audrey, he’s keen to boost business and so begins looking into different types of plants to sell – and so we discover Audrey II – what else would he name it?! Realising the plant is carnivorous, Seymour foolishly begins feeding it his own blood – and as it grows bigger and bigger, so does its appetite.
The plant attracts the attention of the press and so the florist becomes famous – an overnight success. We then see Mushnik take the decision to adopt Seymour, thus creating ‘Mushnik and Son’, much to Seymour’s (financial!) delight as the floristry business continues to…flourish!
Although keen to continue feeding Audrey II, Seymour soon realises he simply can’t give it enough of his own blood and so, with his love interest Audrey regularly at the receiving end of her dentist boyfriend’s violent temper, the decision is made, the plan is hatched – Seymour will kill and feed him to the plant! Two birds one stone? With the dentist dead, Seymour and Audrey could be together…
And so they were, for a short time, but Audrey II – whose appetite grew out of control as did the plant – eventually eats not only Mushnik but Audrey too, who on her deathbed begs Seymour to feed her to the plant so his success can live on beyond their love. And so Seymour finds himself alone – with Audrey II. How long will HE last? If you’ve seen the play you’ll know the answer to that. Not long.
A story told many a time on stage and in film, this classic came alive on our very own Seckford Theatre stage, and it was clear to see the vast amount of preparation and rehearsal that had gone into ensure every scene was what it was – truly magnificent to watch.
Of course, our key characters shone on stage, but that light also came through in the Supremes, the Temptations, in every person who had their feet on that stage and in the aisles of the theatre in some scenes. It was wonderful to see such a cross section of age (since it was a whole School musical) in terms of our actors, the sheer volume of students involved meant this sell-out show was vibrant and alive with the sight and sound of everyone involved – it really was a treat! With the lights, music, dancing, theatre set and costumes – at times you simply didn’t know where to look as there was so much to see, complementary movement and acting encouraged the audience to really feel part of the story, like they might actually be there!
Old Woodbridgians Celebrated 10th Anniversary of Their Own Performance
Family, friends and people from our community in the audience included a number of Old Woodbridgians; celebrating the 10th anniversary of their own performance of Little Shop of Horrors. Sharing their thoughts of the atmosphere ahead of the performance, they confirmed that backstage the atmosphere was a combination of nerves, excitement and exhaustion channelled into adrenaline, and that the mood in Music Room 2 could only have been described as joyful. This humble classroom had been transformed into a fantastic venue for Miss Norman, Stephen Cole the President of the Old Woodbridgians, and Sam James the School’s Alumni and Engagement Officer, to welcome back some of the cast of the 2014 production of the same musical for a reunion.
While the 2024 cast were preparing for their show, the 2014 returnees and their guests were enjoying a delicious supper and a lot of catching up and reminiscing. It was wonderful to see so many OWs return and to show off their School to their partners; just as lovely was that two of the 2014 cast had siblings in the 2024 show.
The pride in and love for the School was tantamount, as was the strength of the friendships formed here. One OW commented how surprised he was at how emotional he felt being back here after so long. All relished how welcome they felt and how they still feel part of the Woodbridgian community.
It was tricky to drag the guests away from Music 2 to watch the show at 8.00pm, time flew too quickly and there is never enough of it at events like this. Once in their seats, they all enjoyed what they described as a ‘triumph of a musical.’
“Who needs the West End when you have Woodbridge?!”
Alex Farquharson (OW 2008-2015), The Masochist LSOH 2014
Ms Mayes our Head of Drama and Johnny Williams our Assistant Head of Drama, must have been completely exhausted after a week of performances, but they stayed on after the show to catch up with the OWs. More reminiscing and memories were shared late into the night – it was delightful to hear stories from both sides of the performances, today’s and ten years ago.
‘Don’t just take our word for it’
We hope you managed to see the show for yourself but if you didn’t, we’re sharing extracts of comments, feedback and reviews from various audience members who were kind enough to get in touch with us, sharing a taste of the phenomenal performances given each and every night, and at the Friday matinee.
“I have to write to you to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed the show last Wednesday. The whole evening was enchanting from start to finish. From embracing the Woodbridge ethos of community in allowing everyone to be involved who wants to perform, leading to a packed stage full of joy and enthusiasm, to some outstanding individual performances, although the whole cast was fantastic. I have to mention the truly excellent James and George, and a vocal tour de force in Xander’s Audrey II (there was so much colour, detail and polish in his singing, I was very impressed). Claire Weston had clearly coached them impeccably, and it showed. I fear the memory of Fergus G-H’s manic Masochist will not leave me for some time; it was a remarkable cameo!!”
“The musical was incredible! The students are perfect testament to the hard work of everyone but also a resounding representation and endorsement of the whole School community, including the wonderful OWs. The whole evening made me very proud to be a part of Woodbridge School.”
“Wow, wow and wow again, what a show, what a performance! It was completely inspirational and the sheer delight on the faces of those taking part was something to behold. They were so professional, so keen to do a good job, so synchronised with one another in their dance moves, so competent with their singing and acting that it took my breath away. Everything was there in spades – the acting, the dancing, the music, the staging, the props, the enthusiasm and the commitment – it was completely amazing.”
“Even in the professional theatre, even in London’s West End, where would you find a show with nearly 200 young people on stage and in the chorus line? My heartiest congratulations go to them all on stage, as well as the many behind-the-scenes people who have played their part so well and especially the teaching staff for Drama, Music and Choreography and all the other skills needed for a show like this. They have all done a wonderful job and are worthy of the highest praise.”
“The whole performance was brought together by a truly excellent stage band, led by your Director of Music, Jonathan Woodley. It’s so heartening to have musicians at the School demonstrate such an incredibly high standard of performance. The pick- ups in the piece are incredibly hard to coordinate, with the singers also using monitors, and it was seamless. There were times during the evening, and I say this most sincerely, worthy of a West End show. The pianists deserve special mention -their playing during the quieter numbers was superlative. Kudos to all of them and the whole music department.”
Last night saw St Mary’s Church absolutely packed to bursting with students, parents, staff and alumni. With standing room only the festive buzz of the much anticipated Carol Service of Nine Lessons and Carols was palpable as the congregation awaited the Chamber Choir’s procession.
Led by our own Reverend Wilson, whose return to Woodbridge School has been met with much celebration, the service was both reflective and jubilant. Year 8 soloist Lola set the tone of the musical feast with her soaring soprano voice with Once in Royal David’s City. What followed can only be described as breath taking. The Chamber Choir was simply mesmeric as they punctuated the service with anthems ranging from Taverner’s ethereal The Lamb to the anthemic Glory, Glory, Glory with James leading the choir in a Gospel showstopper that left the congregation wanting to jump to their feet in jubilation.
Surely the Carols were heard across the town as past choir members raised the roof with enthusiastic singing in the congregation accompanied by Jamie John Hutchings on the organ? This extraordinary throng was all lead by Claire Weston, whose shoes never fail to disappoint, but more importantly conducts the choir with a precision and skill that produces the most exquisite sound from our exceptional Woodbridge School Chamber Choir.
Thank you to everyone who came along to listen and enjoy the beautiful evening of festive song and celebration.
St Mary’s Church was filled with musical delights on Wednesday evening, as we hosted our annual Christmas Concert.
The concert was opened with Percussion Ensemble playing Mission Impossible, to be followed by the serene sounds of Lilanna playing a harp solo of Interlude from Ceremony of Carols. The evening progressed with music from our Harp Ensemble and Single-Reeds, to Chamber Orchestra and Concert Band. The sounds were diverse, familiar, and extremely enjoyable.
Symphony Orchestra opened the second half with Slavonic Dance No.8, to be followed by our first Sixth Form Rock Band, who performed the familiar Zombie by The Cranberries. The fast-paced tunes continued; Brass Ensemble took to the stage.
Seckford Strings playing Canon in D were an absolute delight, and those eight repetitive notes were timed to perfection. Cellisti stepped it up a notch with Love Theme from The Godfather and Smells Like Teen Spirit; who’d have thought Nirvana would be played by a string ensemble in a Church – it was absolutely amazing!
The evening was closed with Swing Band playing Senorita and Gotcha, and the pièce de resistance was a surprise number, Feliz Navidad.
An extremely enthusiastic well done to everyone involved, the students were incredible, and to the various Peripatetic Music Teachers – thank you for your time and dedication to our students.
