Well over 400 boys performed at this year’s Winter Concert, delivering a highly entertaining programme drawn mostly from the pop and rock repertoire.
The evening featured fun elements aplenty, and there was music to suit almost all tastes. It ranged from the contribution of the ever-popular Indian Ensemble, who included a percussion improvisation in their performance, to the pulsating rendition of Guns N’Roses’ Paradise City from the Electric Guitar Ensemble – a sound that just grew and grew.
One notable feature of the concert was the level of pupil leadership: eight pupil conductors took the baton during the evening, while the Indian Ensemble and Electric Guitar Ensemble have no conductor but are student-led and directed.
Headmaster Neil Enright said: “I congratulate our Director of Music, Ruth Partington, and her colleagues on a concert delivered on a grand scale, with the Shearly Hall packed to the rafters and almost a third of our pupil roll involved.
“The music was both highly entertaining and varied, displaying the enthusiasm, talent and dedication of boys and staff alike.
“Our conducting club is supporting boys in their leadership of their peers and in developing higher-level skills. It was great to see those young conductors in action, and to witness how the boys responded to their peers and came together as one.
“All the music was of a high standard, but a special mention must perhaps go to Year 12’s Simi Bloom, who received a rapturous reception from his peers for his vocals for Skyfall played by the Jazz Band.”
Lighter moments during the evening included:
- The sound of cowbells in the pre-concert entertainment from the Year 12 Kowbell Kwintet
- A skit that began the concert proper, which revolved around missing performers who then appeared from all directions to join the Orchestra in its performance of the opening movement of Sibelius’ Karelia Suite
- The Cantina Band (Star Wars theme) in the piece, John Williams Swings, played by the Senior Winds
- The pizzicato playing of Leroy Anderson’s Plink, Plank, Plunk! by the Junior Strings
- Boys very effectively simulating the sound of rain – light, then heavier, then a thunderstorm and back again – using their hands and feet to open the Junior Choir’s performance of Toto’s Africa
Near the end of the concert, Mr Enright presented Music Colours, for which boys from Year 8 upwards are eligible. Two boys receiving Junior Colours – Gabriel Ward and Krish Bhatia – were in this youngest age group (being awarded at the earliest possible opportunity), while a further eight boys from Years 9 to 13 also received colours.
Two students received Music Bars (for those who have already received colours, but whose contribution is such that they warrant further recognition). These were Ryuki Watanabe and Leo Sellis, both of Year 12. Miss Partington said: “Both contribute to a huge number and variety of ensembles and allow difficult repertoire to be chosen, such is our confidence that they will be able to provide a lead.”
The perquisites of winning Music Colours include being able to use the practice rooms before school, at break or at lunchtime, without seeking permission!
The concert was attended by The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou, accompanied by The Mayoress.
Thanks were given to School Stage for their work on the sound and lighting, which so enhances the concerts, as well as to all the FQE volunteers who looked after guests during the interval.
- Click on the thumbnails to view the images.
