Category: Music
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.
This academic year has certainly been one of change in the Music department, so being able to hold our Instrumental Gala Concert to such a full house last Sunday and showcase the talent and commitment from everyone involved in preparation and performance, was such an honour and a delight. Seven different ensembles came together to produce an evening of pure splendour, ranging from Haydn to Harry Styles!
Symphony Orchestra started the evening, with the first movement of Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C; the solo adeptly played by Year 13’s Lucy C. They then moved on to a wonderful rendition of The Suffolk Suite by Carwithen, finally finishing with Vaughan Williams’ English Folksong Suite. A gallant effort from all and a very big thank you to Mr Penny for his guidance and time given to Symphony Orchestra this year.
Chamber Orchestra this year has been directed by Miss Nadia Alzapiedi, and we say thank you to all members for their wonderful musicianship but especially to Year 13’s Lucy and Year 11’s Ellen for their solo roles in the 1st movement of Albinoni’s Concerto for Two Oboes.
Single Reeds under the careful direction of Mrs Lesley Clarke, played a wonderful variety of pieces, all arranged by Mrs Clarke herself, meaning every one of her reed students is able to play, regardless of their level.
Brass Ensemble, Concert Band, Cellisti and finally Swing Band all played a variety of different pieces showcasing their musical endeavours and hard graft over the year. From Hit the Road Jack by Single Reeds, Back to the Future by Brass Ensemble to the Ritual Fire Dance from Concert Band, as well as Paint it Black by Cellisti. Swing Band finished off the evening with Late Night Talking by Harry Styles.
As we edge closer to the end of this year, we’d like to thank all of our Peripatetic teachers for their time, effort and support over the last few terms, and also to parents, and students for their ongoing support and commitment to the department. Here’s to next year!
Lucky audiences were treated to fabulous performances of Shrek JR by Years 5 and 6 from our Prep School this week in our Seckford Theatre; the story of Shrek, the swamp and his adventures along the way.
On turning seven years old our hero Shrek (Year 6’s George) is told by his parents, in the nicest possible way, to “Go away!” and find a swamp to live in, preferably as far away from anyone with pitchforks as possible. Happily settled and living in his dank, dark swamp he is one day, to his horror, deluged by visitors in the form of fairy-tale ‘freaks’ that the ruling Lord Farquaad (Year 6’s Lewis) has banished from his kingdom. Unhappy with these unwanted new swamp mates he agrees to head to Duloc to negotiate with Lord Farquaad himself to get his swamp back.
He sets off, and along the way meets Donkey (Year 6’s Zik), a keener friend than Shrek would like, but one that brings great comedy and fun to the journey.
Meanwhile in Duloc, the diminutive and arrogant Lord Farquaad is on the search for a Queen so he can officially become King. Having tortured poor Gingy (Year 6’s Clem) Lord Farquaad discovers the location of a potential Queen, Princess Fiona (Year 6’s Imogen), but she needs rescuing and obviously he won’t do it! In walks Shrek, just at the right moment, and they strike a deal. In return for rescuing Princess Fiona from a tower surrounded by lava and a guarding dragon (Year 6’s India), Shrek can be named on the deeds for the swamp.
Shrek heads off on an adventure to slay the dragon and bring Princess Fiona back to Duloc. Ably accompanied by Donkey who keeps spirits high and with beautiful backdrops of sunflower filled fields and deep dark forests, the duo make their way to the tower where Princess Fiona is desperately counting down the days to her fairy-tale rescue.
The rescue goes smoothly thanks to Donkey unwittingly winning the heart of the dragon guarding her, although an ogre it is not quite what Princess Fiona was expecting as her handsome prince. On the way back to Duloc, Shrek and Princess Fiona fall in love, but one is an ogre and one is a princess – or are they?
What Shrek doesn’t know is that Princess Fiona has been cursed by a witch to live as a princess by day and an ogre by night; only a kiss from her true love will see her return to a full-time princess. Such is the weight of the curse on Princess Fiona that even on eventually meeting the disappointingly small Lord Farquaad, she still agrees to marry him in the hope that the curse will be lifted.
Accepting his fate, Shrek returns to his swamp where he finds the sad band of fairy-tale ‘freaks’ who have now been evicted and really have nowhere to go. He’s not in the mood to be sociable but they eventually manage to convince him that he needs to face his feelings and stop pushing them away.
With huge encouragement from Donkey and the support of his new found friends, Shrek manages to stop the wedding of Princess Fiona to Lord Farquaad in its tracks, disposing of him with the help of the now tamed dragon.
As she kisses Shrek for the first time, Princess Fiona is disappointed to find that she remains an ogre – but Shrek loves her just the way she is. The wonderful anthem of Let your Freak Flag Fly accompanied the scene, reinforcing the message that you should just be proud of who you are, despite what you are, how you look and what anyone else thinks of you.
It was a wonderful end to an absolutely brilliant performance by our Prep School children. The Year 5 chorus did themselves proud supporting all the Year 6 actors and actresses on stage. Congratulations to the cast, chorus, crew and amazing staff who delivered this production so successfully. The story of Shrek and Princess Fiona will now forever remind us that no matter our differences, we should all celebrate them and be incredibly proud of ourselves.
So many layers to a great production – just like onions and ogres!
Last Thursday was indeed a delight as our Evening Of Music For Lower Strings took place. Mrs Kent reports on the musicians and the music.
Mrs Kent, Director of Music
Well what a treat the Evening Of Music For Lower Strings was last Thursday with the cello and double bass department, ably lead by Miss Nadia Alzapiedi at the helm.
The evening kicked off with a schmaltzy version of Singing in the Rain for Cellisti, our choir of cellists (yes there is such a thing!) which was followed by eleven assured solos from across all year groups. There were, of course, the obligatory visits to Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals with both the Swan (Year 11’s James) and Elephant (Year 7’s Barnaby) making an appearance.
Mrs Fearnley, along with Year 12’s Jasmine and Miss Alzapeidi wooed us with a romantic Requiem for three cellos and piano by Popper. Another highlight of the evening was Jasmine’s epic rendition of the Brahms Sonata, featuring the ever-dexterous Mrs Spicer-Winand on the piano.
The evening concluded as it had begun, with Cellisti, who wowed us all with their Mexican Hat Dance which was encored at break-neck speed just for the hell of it – and why not!
Last Wednesday 18 GCSE and A level music students travelled to London’s West End with Mrs Kent and Miss Barnes, to see a matinee performance of Wicked the musical at the Apollo Victoria theatre. Perfect weather, a gentle stroll through St. James’ Park, excellent company, tunes on route and of course the extraordinary show helped make this an educational experience to remember.
Our Gala Concert took place last Sunday at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich, where the audience were treated to a full orchestral and choral concert, over 130 students and parents (in our parent choir) coming together to perform Faure’s Requiem. Our Director of Music who conducted the concert reported on the evening.
Emma Kent, Director of Music
We were hugely excited host this year’s Gala Concert here at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich on Sunday night. It has been a challenging few years for the music and the arts, and to able to organise a full orchestral and choral concert to which we could invite everyone was simply brilliant!
The Corn Exchange was the perfect venue and audience in attendance were given a treat of the senses with a varied programme designed to give snapshot of just some of our music making this year. From exuberant opening brass fanfare (written by Paul Shepherd) delivered by surprise from the hidden balcony, through to the final serene, quiet and gentle harmonies of ‘In Paradisum’ (Faure’s Requiem) the level of commitment and energy from all was hugely engaging.
To see students from Year 7 to 13 enjoying their music making and relishing that indefinable feeling, that frisson of nerves, excitement and joy that results from humans working together on something they love and want to share, was an honour to behold.
I’ve been delighted to receive a great many emails from parents and other guests saying what a special event it was – this has genuinely been the highlight of my two years here at School so far.
What a feast for the ears last week’s trip to Snape Maltings was! Students were treated to performances from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, including Shostakovich’s best ever symphony, No.10 on a beautiful balmy night. Students loved listening out for the secret message hidden in the music which they’ve been learning about in lessons (even if they did lose count of how many times the brilliant D-S-C-H theme occurred). Alice adored hearing what the five superb French horns of the BBC Welsh sounded like – inspiring stuff! Hopefully she can channel their energy and gusto in this weekend’s Gala Concert!
Year 9’s Noah reports on the pieces played and the evening.
“We left by minibus at 6.15pm – an intrepid seven students from Years 9 to 12 and Mrs Kent in the driving seat. It was a warm evening but the concert hall was well air-conditioned.
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales had their blazers off, ready to play, not only to those of use lucky enough to be there, but to everyone listening to BBC Radio 3’s live concert. The first piece was the shortest – Elizabeth Maconchy’s ‘Proud Thames’, the overture to the Queen’s coronation in 1953. It was a graceful piece utilising the whole of the orchestral palette.
The next piece was William Walton’s Cello Concerto featuring Laura van der Heijden on cello. She was a former winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year. This was a romantic but rather turbulent rollercoaster of a piece and, as it was dedicated to Walton’s wife, we speculated on the relationship they had!
After the interval we were treated to Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, one of the most renowned pieces of the twentieth century. This was a fascinating piece as we discovered he had hidden his name within the tune and used it as a motif.
Overall, the performance was a delight to listen to and inspired all who went. Thanks to Mrs Kent for organising!”
With our Gala Concert taking place this weekend on Sunday 26 June, School is buzzing with rehearsals and nervous excitement for all of those taking part. Year 11’s Esme will be singing solo, Pie Jesu, and we met with her recently to ask how she’s feeling and preparing for the event.
“Pie Jesu is a solo I’ve sung before in a chorister competition, so I’m feeling confident that I know the piece well and am excited to sing it again. I sang a solo in last year’s concert, so although I always feel nervous before I perform, I know it’s a great opportunity that I’m going to really enjoy. Performing with an orchestra is definitely a challenge, but having rehearsed with them all, I feel it’s a wonderful opportunity to do something that I love.”
Esme takes lessons and exams in singing, percussion and LAMDA. Outside of school her musical passion continues as she learns and plays the guitar and piano. Esme loves Musical Theatre, having performed in many shows with Theatricool Performing Arts and the Colchester Operatics Society, at various local theatres including the Mercury Theatre in Colchester. She is currently rehearsing for their production of Fame.
130 performers (including our parent choir) will come together on Sunday at Ipswich Corn Exchange, promising to be a spectacular and very special event, our Director of Music Mrs Emma Kent will be conducting throughout. Tickets are now selling fast and we hope you can join us. Tickets are available directly from the Ipswich Corn Exchange by clicking here.
Rehearsals continue a pace for our annual Gala Concert, which takes place on Sunday 26 June at Ipswich Corn Exchange, with over 130 performers (including our parent choir) coming together to perform Faure’s sublime Requiem!
As we look ahead to this spectacular event, we met with Year 11’s Jasmine whose composition, ‘Ben Aan’, will be performed at the concert, it is a piece she was commissioned to compose especially for the occasion.
“The brief was to compose a piece of music that could be performed at the Gala Concert; to be played with a full orchestra and with a Scottish theme to compliment Hamish McCunn’s ‘Land of Mountain and Flood’ which will open proceedings at next Sunday’s concert. It was a huge challenge, but one I’ve been excited to take on. I will be also be performing in the piece on cello, it begins one might say with a rather sinister and dark feeling, but develops into a fun jig that then culminates in a combination of the two. Although I’m a little nervous, I can’t wait to play it.”
Jasmine plays cello, piano and sings at School as well as being a cellist in the Suffolk Youth Orchestra. She will be playing cello throughout the Gala Concert, and is excited to be playing to such a big audience in such a beautiful space.
The Gala Concert is certain to be a wonderful night, and our Director of Music Mrs Emma Kent will be conducting throughout. Tickets are now selling fast and we hope you can join us. Tickets are available directly from the Corn Exchange Ipswich by clicking here.