St Edmund's School CanterburyMUSIC DEPARTMENT BLOG

What Sweeter Music

2012-02-04T01:36:00.001-08:00

A feast of Music and Desserts

Saturday 4th February 2012, 7.30pm. School Chapel

Unless weather conditions deteriorate sooner than forecast, this evening's concert will still go ahead as planned. However, the musical items will now come together at the start of the programme (reduced, with no interval), and puddings served at the end, allowing families to make their way home before any snow arrives, should they wish to.

Choral Society - a great start!

2012-01-13T04:57:00.000-08:00

To all who joined us last night for the Choral Society's first rehearsal, thank you.

I was delighted with the start we made and feel very excited about the season in store.

As promised here is a link to the Spotify playlist:

GALA 2012

For those new to Spotify, the link will take you either to your previously installed Spotify software, or to a link to the (free) software. Thereafter, the link will take you straight to the Poulenc!

The ChorusLine products I mentioned last night, which help you learn your part between rehearsals can be found here. Do make sure that you select your correct part in the choir, i.e. Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass.

I look forward to seeing you all again next week. I am still happy to welcome new singers if you have friends who might like to take part. The more the merrier!

WMB

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

A warm welcome back after Christmas!

I hope that all of our pupils and families were able to have a good and restful Christmas and feel fully recharged for the term ahead. Last term seemed longer and busier than ever and, after the hectic schedule of A Chorus Line, narrowly preceded by the Michaelmas Concert and quickly followed by the Carol Service, we look forward to a more measured period of rehearsal as we prepare for this term's concerts. For highlights of many of last term's performances, please check our recordings page.

Our focus at this stage is with the Choirs and Chamber Groups, who will be performing in What Sweeter Music, our annual feast of music and desserts, served up in the school chapel and dining hall respectively on Saturday 4th February at 7.30pm. Just 2 weeks later, the Chamber Choir will also be singing Evensong in Canterbury Cathedral, on Friday 17th February, at 5.30pm. I very much hope you will be able to support either or both of these events.

Later in the term, arguably our musical highlight of the year follows in the form of the Gala Concert in the Cathedral, on Thursday 17th March. This year sees the Symphony Orchestra tackle an ambitious programme including Brahms' Academic Festival Overture and Arnold's English Dances, while the Choral Society join forces with the Chapel Choir, Cathedral Choristers and Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Poulenc's Gloria. For this work we are joined by Tamsin Coombs (soprano) and guest players from the English Chamber Orchestra. Tickets are already on sale from the school office and there is still the opportunity to perform as a member of the Choral Society - please email music@stedmunds.org.uk for details.

Alongside our usual selection of informal lunchtime recitals, details of which can be found on the school website or latest edition of Counterpoint (see below), we also look forward to welcoming back the Concert and Big Bands from the University fo Kent, as they join forces with our own Big Band in Big Bands Cubed, on Wednesday 28th March. Tickets are on sale at £5, in aid of the Jacob Barnes Scholarship Trust.

Details of all of our events this term may be found in Counterpoint, our eNewsletter, published by email. To see the current edition and subscribe to further editions, please click here.

I look forward to seeing many of you over the course of the term.

WMB

English Chamber Orchestra coaching for the St Edmund's Symphony Orchestra.

2011-10-25T03:09:00.000-07:00

Our excellent friendship with the English Chamber Orchestra remains something we're very proud of and grateful for. Last Friday, as members of the Junior School were battling it out in the Junior House Song Competition, members of our senior orchestra, the St Edmund's Symphony Orchestra, were enjoying three hours with Jeremy Isaac (violin), Kate Robinson (violin) and John Thurgood (horn), all members of the English Chamber Orchestra, joining us for an afternoon of coaching.
Since our orchestra began inviting payers from the wider community, it has grown significantly, now numbering over sixty players. The string section lies at the heart of any orchestra, and our large section benefited enormously from Jeremy and Kate. The second violins, in particular, were put through their paces as the tackled the Fugue from William Walton's Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, whilst Vaughan William's The Wasps Overture offered the chance to experiment with the extreme colours possible, including the glassy effects of the sul ponticello tremelo passages, and the huge dynamic contrasts necessary to really bring this insect to life.
The opening fanfare of the Walton offers a truly breathtaking moment for the brass section, and John Thurgood, principal horn with the ECO and Canterbury resident, brought great expertise to our section, offering everything from simple rehearsal and 'note-bashing' to top tips on how to tackle the passages that even give the pros something to worry about!
When we brought everyone back together for the final hour the progression was staggering. The orchestra played with a new confidence and authority, making light work of the repertoire and clearly enjoying themselves in the process! The next two weeks bring our final preparations for the Michaelmas Concert, when the Vaughan Williams and Walton will feature in the programme. This promises to be a great concert.
Do join us - tickets are available (without charge) from the school office.

WMB

Ex-Choristers' atmospheric recital in the Crypt

2011-09-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Back in April, I wrote on this blog about the contribution Choristers, past and present, bring to music at St Edmund's. Their impact could not have been more apparent last night, as seven former Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral conjured the most magical of atmospheres as they closed the celebrations of the 100th Re-union of the Canterbury Cathedral Old Choristers' Association with a recital in the Eastern Crypt of the Cathedral.
In order of their departure from the Cathedral Choir, Timothy Edlin (2006); Thomas Lowen and Alex Gibson (2007); George Inscoe, Matthew Barker, Joel Whitewood and Josh Best-Shaw (2008) now form the most elite of vocal ensembles, The Ex-Choristers. Not the most imaginative of titles (and do contact me with suggestions of a more suitable alternative), but this is where the apologies stop. This group of seven highly accomplished singers, all of whom have sung in the most prestigious of situations, create a highly professional blend: seamless phrasing, perfect intonation and the most natural sense of style came together in half on hour of sheer bliss. Arrangements included Tallis' If Ye Love Me, John Barry's Diamonds Are Forever and Billy Joel's Lullabye, all of which may be heard on the Recordings Page.
This is a group with huge potential, and a CD will be recorded this academic year.

Thank you, Gentlemen, for giving up your exeat Saturday and sharing your talents with this highly appreciative audience.

WMB

Eddie Daniels comes to Canterbury

2011-09-20T08:46:00.001-07:00

Grammy award winning clarinettist Eddie Daniels will be the
very special guest at an event being held at St. Edmund’s School
Canterbury, on Saturday February 11th 2012. Eddie will be holding a
master class in the school theatre and appearing in the evening as a
soloist with The David Rees-Williams Trio.

This is a rare UK appearance from Eddie and, with tickets for the
master class and concert restricted, a sell out audience is expected.

St. Edmund’s has a strong musical tradition, being the home of the
Cathedral Choristers and the East Kent Children’s Orchestra, and
lists former BBC Young Musician of the Year Freddie Kempf among
its former pupils. The school has an on-going partnership with The
English Chamber Orchestra, holding master classes and workshops
throughout the academic year.

The day has been organised by CASS member Ian Swatman who is
Head of Instrumental Studies at St. Edmund’s. ‘Eddie doesn’t appear
in the UK very often and this is an amazing opportunity to see him
perform in the relatively intimate setting of our school theatre. It is
so exciting for the school and a chance see one of the world’s leading
musicians.’

Tickets will go on sale from mid-October and can be pre-ordered by
contacting Ian Swatman at

igs@stedmunds.org.uk

Great achievements this summer by St Edmund's organists

2011-07-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today, St Edmund's Organ Scholar elect, George Inscoe, gave a joint organ recital at Our Lady and the English Martyrs RC church in Cambridge. This opportunity was awarded as a prize at the last year's Oundle Festival International Organ Course. Today's varied recital made full use of an organ which offers plenty of different colours, from the quiet reflective nature of Bach's Erbarm dich, mein Gott and Whitlock's Fidelis, to the fireworks of the Boellman and Mushel Toccatas. The small but enthusiastic audience showed their appreciation with rapturous applause and broad smiles.

At this year's course, Fifth Form Music Scholar Guy Steed was awarded the same award, whilst George Inscoe went on the earn the extremely prestigious solo recital at Queen's College, Oxford, an accolade only available to organists aged 16 and over; George has been 16 for ten days!

The Oundle Festival International Organ Courses are probably the most well-known and highly regarded summer schools for young organists. Canterbury Cathedral Organist Dr David Flood said "To win such a prestigious recital is a great achievement at any student level, but remarkable for someone of George’s age. We are very proud of his success and delighted with all that he is achieving. I am also delighted that Guy Steed has won a recital award, at an even younger age! "

In addition to regular playing for school services, both pupils hold positions outside school as organists. George is the Organ Scholar at St. Mary's Church, Dover, whilst Guy will begin in a role of Assistant Organist for Ashford parish church this autumn. This succession of talented ex-chorister organists is a great triumph.

How Choristers change things ...

2011-04-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

Upon my first association with St Edmund’s, some 3 years before taking up the post of Director of Music, it was clear to me that the identity of music at the school lends a great deal to the rich heritage provided by both Choristers in the Junior School, and ex-Choristers in the Senior School. In a fairly unique set-up, where the Choristers are educated in the comparatively ‘normal’ backdrop of a prep-school, already established as a non-specialist school before the boys moved up the hill in 1972, it is possible for the school as a whole to really benefit from, and expand upon, the presence of 25 very talented musicians. A domino effect is inevitable and for many years St Edmund’s Junior School has enjoyed a flourishing reputation for music, in part thanks to the presence of these highly driven boys, but also through the significant momentum that their skills contribute to fuel the music making of those around them.

But, were the Choristers not at St Edmund’s, what would be left for music in the Junior School? Going back to my observations before joining as a member of staff, I was invited to adjudicate the Junior School music festival in the summer before joining as Director of Music in 2009 and was thankful for the opportunity to meet and hear so many young musicians. However, the day was dominated by Choristers and this was an issue that I felt needed addressing. It concerned me that, in particular, girls were reluctant to participate, and there were no non-Choristers boys singing at all. Given the heavy demands on Choristers and the many subsequent absences, a music department that relies too heavily upon this group of pupils is bound to struggle on occasions. The resulting initiatives, all with the common objective to broaden music at St Edmund’s have included ‘Pay as you go’ instrumental lessons for the younger pupils, boys’ (non-Chorister) and girls’ seperate choirs, and a 60 pupil strong community initiative in the form of the East Kent Children’s Orchestra, all of which have gone on to not only balance the musical participation across all parties at the school, but have also re-energised music making in general and further enhanced opportunities for the choristers themselves.

The particular success of the East Kent Children’s Orchestra (EKCO), the junior school orchestra re-launched with community participation in January 2010, provides the school with an orchestra that achieves significant success musically, and far beyond what would be reasonably expected of a school so small. Indeed, the community aspect of this project, which invites any child from the area to join (for a modest termly subscription) has not only helped us to build the size and standard of the group, but has also attracted the interest of the English Chamber Orchestra, who have ‘joined forces’ with us in a partnership entitled ‘Creative Connections’. This on-going relationship brings members of this international ensemble to the school on a regular basis to work with our pupils and to join our outreach into local schools via EKCO. The benefit to our pupils is wide and far reaching, from playing alongside top professionals in one of our orchestras (across junior and senior schools), to hearing their own compositions realised in workshops or listening to the ECO perform in one of our trips to hear them in London.

As the boys approach the end of their Choristerships, the impact of the ex-Choristers on senior school music is also open to scrutiny and their input is no less significant. For me, the yardstick of any senior school music department is the quality of its Chapel Choir and our choir, which represents our flagship ensemble, includes some 25% of senior school pupils, amongst whom many former choristers continue to develop as singers and contribute a huge amount to the quality of the group. But the Choristers have another significant effect on senior school music: their presence, both as Choristers in the junior school and ex-Choristers in the senior school does such good for our reputation in the wider community that the attraction of St Edmund’s to musicians at 11+, 13+ and 16+ puts us in an excellent position when recruiting music scholars in an area rich with talented instrumentalists.

The result is an irresistible combination: a small, intimate and relaxed environment which nurtures more than its fair share of stars which, in a city with three independent schools within close proximity of each other, is something that we will always be grateful for and proud of.

WMB

Gloria!

2011-03-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

After many weeks of regular rehearsals for the Symphony Orchestra, Chapel Choir, Choral Society and Choristers, last week's Gala Concert in Canterbury Cathedral was a triumph for all involved! The orchestra tackled some very challenging repertoire, with accomplished solos by Tim Edlin (violin) and Tom Vafidis (alto sax), before the Choral second half, accompanied by Spencer Payne (organ) and Jubilate Brass brought the concert to a rousing finish.

Thanks to St Edmund's parent, Mr Ian Roberts, a concert recording is available in the Recordings Page (click the tab above), where you can also download a form to order a CD.

A review will follow shortly, but in the meantime I would like to thank all those perfromers involved (some 180 in number!) as well as the team of staff in the music department for all they did in these busy weeks.

With just 2 weeks left of term, the pressure refuses to subside, with rehearsals continuing for the Big Bands Concert on Wednesday 23rd March (click here for details), and the Chapel Choir and Big Band tour to Belgium, Holland and Germany, departing on Friday 1st April - at 6am!

WMB

Recording page now live

2011-02-15T13:14:00.000-08:00

What has been an empty link for too long now leads to a new page of recordings by musicians at St Edmund's.
Please navigate to the Recordings Page (above), to enjoy this new resource.

Many of the recordings are produced by Mr Ian Roberts, a current parent in the school. I would like to extend my grateful thanks to Ian for all the time he commits to these recordings, which are posted for you all to enjoy.

WMB

NEW: Spotify Playlists

2011-01-15T02:52:00.001-08:00

I pleased to share the following Spotify play lists for examination group set works and concert repertoire.

A level & GCSE sets: click the links to find your set works on Spotify:
Upper Sixth Music A2
Lower Sixth Music AS
Lower 6th Music Tech (General)
GCSE Set Works

Chapel Choir Repertoire (always constant and updated ...):
Chapel Choir Repertoire

Choral Society, Chapel Choir and Symphony Orchestra members, here is a list of works programmed for the upcoming Gala concert:
GALA Concert Repertoire 2011

more to follow.

If you haven't come across Spotify yet, go to www.spotify.com - it's free!

WMB

S'no good ...

2010-12-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

Who could have forecast snow falling in November and December being the coldest for 100 years? Well, perhaps programming Howard Blake's The Snowman in our Michaelmas Concert - bringing on Christmas a little early, admittedly - might have tempted fate?
A 'Dear Diary' week, I cannot remember a more stressful time - having to postpone the Senior School Michaelmas Concert, create a new combined schools Christmas Concert, cancel our Demelza House Carol Service in the Cathedral, and postpone a day of Trinity Guildhall exams; and then came the nightmare of finding enough tickets for the Christmas Concert.
Needless to say, everything fell into place, and a week's respite from the snow allowed us to successfully stage the combined concert and the main school Carol Service in one week, without a hitch. Huge thanks to the team in the music department, those in the school office and, of course, the pupils for all they they did to pull this one off. Musically, these were fantastic events, showcasing the talent at St. Edmund's. Well done to all.

Sincere thanks to Mr Jon Dagley and Mrs Janet Mander for their reviews below.
A Merry Christmas to all. WMB

Carol Service

The end of term Festival of Lessons and Carols remains one of the high points of the school year – for this writer the most beautiful of all. Director William Bersey’s choice of music for this incomparable setting added to the specialness of the occasion. After Canon Christopher Irvine’s introduction, the School and visitors stood in the candle-lit darkness for the traditional opening solo of the processional hymn, ‘Once In Royal David’s City’, sung by a chorister. The children of Abingdon House provided a delightful tableau of the Nativity on the steps of the Quire before Father Roger Marsh, St Edmund’s School Chaplain, led the Bidding Prayer. Lessons were read by members of the school body, amongst whom, notably, were staff retiring during this year, Mrs Lesley Humphreys, the School Librarian and Mr Chris Barnard in his 37th year at St Edmund’s as well as by pupils, School Captain Rafi Stone, Megan Laverick Smith, the Vice Captain and, with fine intonation, Alexander Denton of the Upper Sixth.

The music itself was choice indeed. The Chapel Choir (Joel Whitewood as soloist), sang Rutter’s ‘There is a Flower’ (from Audelay’s 15th century original) and, with affirmative, intuitive delicacy, the transcendent words of the poet Crashaw ‘Welcome, all wonders in one sight!’ - set to music by Jonathan Dove There were masterly contributions from the Probationers and the Junior School Choir (respectively ‘The Hodie’ and ‘This Little Babe’ from Britten’s ‘A Ceremony of Carols’) before the Chapel Choir returned with a wonderful rendering of the traditional Basque carol ‘O Bethlehem’ arranged by Elizabeth Poston, ‘Lux Arumque’ (Whitacre), Mathias’s ‘A babe is born’ and ‘On Christmas Day’ by Richard Rodney Bennett.

The great building filled with the sound of the singers, ably supported by the delicacy of the harp and majesty of the Organ. Between each piece, as the drawn out breath of the last note fell, there was a most exquisite, tiny silence before the next reading began. The Headmaster read the timeless words of St John unfolding the great mystery of the incarnation to a hushed cathedral. The moment then came for the magnificence of the final two hymns, ’O come all ye faithful’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, accompanied by the Jubilate Brass, as once again a golden warmth rose to bathe the fan vaulting high above. The final voluntary from Dr David Flood, Cathedral Organist – Dubois’ Toccata in G – was a superb scintillation of sound ending an evening of glorious Christmas music.

J P Dagley

Christmas Concert

As one door closes, another opens... After the disappointment of having to cancel the Senior School’s Christmas concert last week because of the adverse weather conditions, the decision to merge it with the Junior School’s planned performance on Thursday 9th December proved to be a unique opportunity to showcase the full range of the combined schools’ musical talent, as well as to enjoy the music made by the Canterbury Choral Youth Choir and the East Kent Children’s Orchestra.

There was a rich seam of choral contributions, starting with the clear purity of the Junior School Boys’ Choir managing the traditional French carol Quittez Pasteurs, and followed by the beautifully tuned and toned Junior School Girls’ Choir giving the first performance of the night of Walking in the Air (both these directed by Peps Martin-Smith, and accompanied by George Inscoe). Senior School contributions came from the newly-formed Fifth Form Girls’ Choir, ranged around the grand piano and clearly enjoying the jazzy arrangements (and the pianistic embellishments from the director, Spencer Payne), and the Jazz Choir – progression to the full depths of tenor and bass voices! Their contributions were Cole Porter’s Miss Otis Regrets and Loesser’s Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat, with Matthew Barker in the spotlight as solo tenor.

A further choral element was provided by the Canterbury Choral Society Youth Choir, the junior branch of Canterbury Choral Society, directed by Will Bersey. They offered two carols, Holst’s A Babe is Born and Michael Head’s Little Road to Bethlehem, together with Electricity by John. They gave a stylish performance of great freshness and confidence that was enjoyed by all.

Christmas is very much a time for singing and carols, but the instrumentalists were not to be outdone by the singers, and around the vocal contributions was woven an arrangement by Iveson for brass ensemble of a medley of well-known tunes in the Carol Fantasy, performed by the Senior School Brass Ensemble and directed by Steve Wassell, a Big Band offering of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and Brick House stylishly delivered by the Big Band, and a full symphony orchestra performance of Mendelssohn’s War March of the Priests.

The first half of the concert closed with a performance from the East Kent Children’s Orchestra of a quality that belied the youthful years of its performers. This is an orchestra whose membership is open to talented players from both within and outside the school, which has very quickly gelled to make a magnificent, confident sound. They performed Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and the theme from Star Wars under Ian Swatman’s direction.

I hope none of the excellent performers above will take offence if I suggest that the pièce de résistance of the evening was its final item: a complete performance of Howard Blake’s The Snowman. The narrator, who stepped into the breach at short notice, was the excellent Mr Jon Dagley, who offered a sympathetic and nuanced reading. The Symphony Orchestra produced beautiful colours throughout, and created a real atmosphere. The audience then caught its breath as former Cathedral Chorister Cameron Walker rose to sing Walking in the Air. His voice, with both richness and clarity, simply shone. Altogether, this was a truly memorable event.

My thanks go to all those who invested enormous amounts of time and effort in preparation for this concert. It is a real tribute to the Music Department to see the sheer numbers of pupils who were involved as performers, and, in addition, to see just how much they enjoyed their involvement.

Mrs Mander

Jacqueline du Pre, the making of a legend

2010-10-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

This truly wonderful event took place last Thursday, when we welcomed our most distinguished guests, Piers and Hilary du Pre, brother and sister of 'cellist Jacqueline, to share with us their most personal account of their sisters life, which was so tragically cut short by Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 42. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to them both for giving up their time and allowing us the privilege to share their experiences.
My thanks also to Janet Mander, for this review:

On Thursday 7th October, members of the school community had the opportunity to hear insights into the life of the unique cellist Jacqueline du Pre, through a talk given jointly by her brother Piers and sister Hilary. Those who chose not to do so missed out on a wonderfully moving occasion, one, I think, never to be forgotten by those who were there.

Piers and Hilary alternated in speaking. Each was a joy to listen to, speaking with great honesty and obvious sincerity; despite the fact that more than twenty years have passed since Jacqueline du Pre’s tragically early death from multiple sclerosis, each had to stop at times to regain composure as memories overwhelmed.

Jacqueline du Pre was born in 1945, made her professional debut aged 16, and gave her last concert when only 28. Her illness was diagnosed in 1973, and so she had fourteen years of decline to endure before her death in 1987. Piers’ opening remarks invoked a word that was to be used time and time again: genius. That a sibling should use that term of a sister is perhaps not unusual, but in this case the epithet is one which the musical world endorsed from the start, and the video clips and musical excerpts that were used to illustrate the talk had no-one questioning the speakers’ right to use it. “Genius does not just happen. There has to be a bud, or seed. It has to be recognised, tended, nurtured. It is hard to be different: the world expects conformity.” Another quotation of note was, “Always have at least three children. If it happens that one is a genius, you need at least another two to look after him or her!”

Jacqueline was born into a close and loving family where such nurturing of a precocious talent was freely given. Her mother was a pianist of distinction, and recognised her daughter’s exceptional potential. Her encouragement was not pushy, but inspiring: she would write short pieces for Jacqueline each evening, illustrating them with delightful drawings, and leave them on Jacqueline’s bed for her to find in the morning, each new piece posing a new technical challenge. Her speed of learning was astonishing; she took only a day to learn by heart the first movement of the Elgar Cello Concerto. Hilary assured us that Jacqueline seldom practised, and certainly not for long periods of time, where mere mortals would need to devote long hours to acquiring mastery.

Hilary said frequently that the cello became an extension of Jacqueline herself: it was the way she spoke without needing words. She played with immense freedom and honesty. There were no barriers between herself and the instrument (or, indeed, between herself and her audiences), and, especially, there was complete abandonment and absolutely no fear. As we watched recordings of extracts from both concerts and playing in more private situations, we were convinced of this. There has been no-one before or since who has been able in the same way to play the listener’s emotions, and few who have communicated so directly with an audience.

Jacqueline du Pre married the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim in a relationship that sparked renewed musical creativity. Although her performing career was so short, the impact she made was enormous, and, indeed, her recordings remain legendary and, arguably, unsurpassed today.

It was a true privilege to be allowed to this glimpse into a life so different from the norm, and yet, in family terms, so lovingly normal. My personal thanks to both speakers, and to Mr Bersey for organising the event.

Janet Mander

Find us on Twitter ...

2010-09-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

I have created a Music Department Twitter account in order to post news and announcements to pupils.
The twitter name is stedsmusic, just like this blog!

WMB

A new term ...

2010-09-04T01:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

After what has felt like an incredibly long holiday and a very gentle easing into motion, it is good to finally be preparing to start the new term.
Last term flew by, with some fabulous concerts and performances, and the final Serenade is a fantastic memory - again, thanks and congratulations to all who were involved.

Looking ahead, the new term is even more packed and I'm please to report that our music calendar can now be found on the back page of Counterpoint, our new look newsletter that was sent to all parents at the end of last term; any one wishing to obtain a copy may do so by contacting Carol Hawkins in the music department. September alone will see Recitals by René Bloice-Sanders (Thursday 16th Sept, 1.45pm) and John Mann (changed to Monday 27th Sept, 1.45pm), both accompanied by Spencer Payne and taking place in the Recital Hall. There will also be a lunchtime concert given by sixth form Music Scholars on Thursday 23rd September. Please come and support these events, if you are able.

The Instrumental Trial Morning, scheduled for Saturday 11th September (not 7th – apologies for the mistake in Counterpoint) is a very exciting initiative, which will give our Junior School pupils the chance to have a go on any instrument, and receive a quick few minutes free tuition in order to see if they could get on well. The event starts at 10am in the Recital hall with an ensemble performance given by our professional instrumental teachers, followed by some brief demonstrations and discussion, before the teachers move to separate rooms and the pupils can wonder from one instrument to the next. Mr Ian Crowther, from Crowthers of Canterbury, will be there with selection of woodwind and brass instruments available to hire, and we will also have a selection of our own extensive stock of stringed instruments on display. Pupils wishing to take up lessons may then do so with immediate effect.

Finally, we look forwardJaqueline du Pré, the making of a legend, a lecture given by Piers and Hilary du Pré, brother and sister of ‘cellist Jacqueline, who so tragically died from Multiple Sclerosis in 1987. This will take place at 7pm on Thursday 7th October and promises to be a very special evening. This event will be ticketed (at no cost, but to control numbers) and those wishing to attend are asked to contact the school office.

As always, I look forward to seeing you at any of our events this term.

WMB

Summer Serenade

2010-06-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Huge thanks to all who contributed to this fantastic evening, which featured some stunning performances in very hot and humid conditions. The rehearsal schedule ran to plan and the atmosphere in the music department throughout the 3 days of rehearsals was electric, reflecting a common motivation by pupils and teachers alike to produce a memorable concert.
Many thanks also to DEK for the following review (one of his last, alas) ...

What another fabulous evening in the annals of St Edmund's School musicmaking! As Will Bersey reached the end of his first year at the School, and paid fulsome and well deserved tribute to Dr Richard Braddy, reaching the end of his 19th, and about to depart into the Anglican priesthood, a full hall sweltered in the heat of a June summer evening, and admired, once again, the sheer quality of the musicians who entertained them so royally.

C.P.E.Bach's 'Fanfare for the Roast' was an absolutely apposite introduction to the Symphony Orchestra who dived straight into Wagner's 'Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg', and pulled together the various strands and themes of a challenging work into a climactic finale. Steve Wassell may have been amongst those absent, but his tradition was exemplified by the Brass Ensemble who gave us not one sea shanty - 'Drunken Sailor' - but three, under the baton of Mr Bersey himself.

On an evening in honour of ARB,there had to be some Elgar, and the retiring Head of Strings took to the podium to guide his String Orchestra, under the leadership of John Bungay, through Elgar's 'Serenade for Strings', with its typically English melodies, and langourous second movement - played, as instructed, larghetto. Dr Braddy then moved smartly to his position in the revitalised Chapel Choir, now 50-strong, and losing only seven at the end of the year, to present two traditional spirituals, arranged by Messrs Chilcott and Hart respectively. 'All My Trials', and 'Deep River'. Beautiful singing from a beautifully balanced outfit, and showcasing the three senior leavers, Sophie Belinfante, Ellie Blanning, and Jessica White Pearson.

The first half ended with, for me, one of the highlights of the whole show, the return of the Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Spencer Payne, and two 'chestnuts' of the repertoire, two of Dvorak's 'Slavonic Dances' played with passion, energy, and precision. Superb! And, after a 20-minute break for very necessary refreshment, the orchestra completed its set with the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Butterworth's little known piece. 'The Banks of Green Willow', which allowed cameo solos from the ubiquitous George Inscoe (clarinet), Guy Steed (harp), Seth Scott Deuchar (flute) and Miss White Pearson (flute and piccolo).

The XII, sorry - the XI, who may next year become the XVI, the new Jazz Choir, weaved their way through the complex arrangements of 'Summertime', 'Over the Rainbow', and 'Scarborough Fayre', with tenor solos from Mr Inscoe - I said he was verging on the ubiquitous! - and Joel Whitewood. They gave way to the Big Band, and Ross Underwood's return to three of their best known pieces, delivered tightly, and giving the soloists to show off their virtuosity and improvisational skills. Tom Vafidis, Freddy White, Cameron Dawson, Seth Scott Deuchar, Peter Edlin, and - yes - George Inscoe were all featured on their saxophones, guitars, drums and piano.

The evening concluded with a second outing for the Chapel Choir, and an insight into the future, as, after the inspirational 'Irish Blessing', Hannele Lewis-Anthony and Faye Moulsdale were given the solos in Aretha Franklin's 'Say a Little Prayer'. And impressive they were! I have to say that the final item was the showstopper - and it did! - Lauridson's 'Sure on this Shining Night' left the audience spellbound, and ready to leave the hall, and into the welcome cool of a clear, moonlit, June night.

What more can I say? 38 years of concert-going, from the cramped conditions of the old 'Big School', via the occasional forays onto the Terrace, open air!, into the Ivy Coleman Recital Hall, and the main theatre itself, and every event memorable for its atmosphere, its music, and for being at the beating heart of St Edmund's School.

Good luck to the Department under Will Bersey - what a signing! - and to Dr Braddy as he goes to parishes new, and to Ian Swatman on his return next term to St Edmund's. Thank you for everything you do to instil a little calm, and much pleasure, into the busyness of a working life. What next? Thursday September 16th, and the first lunchtime recital of the new school year.

But - my memory must be failing! - how could I possibly not remind everyone of the chance to hear Sophie Belinfante for the last time in concert? Thursday July 1st, Recital Hall, 1.45pm, and a programme of sonatas by Beethoven and Cesar Franck, with Spencer Payne as accompanist. Try to be there - Sophie deserves an audience!

Lower & Middle 5th Music Scholars' Concert

2010-06-21T03:05:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to all who tool part in this superb concert, and especially to Mr Payne for the hours he spent rehearsing with the performers.
This was a superb concert, showcasing the talent in the younger years; a very encouraging sign of things to come.

Thanks also to Mr Knight for posting the following review on the website within 30 minutes of the end of the concert!

WMB

We are now well versed in lunchtime recitals in which senior musicians entertain a slim audience of staff and parents, but this evening another Bersey initiative came to fruition in a Lower Fifth and Middle Fifth Music Scholars' Recital, which was held in the Ivy Coleman Recital Hall, with a 4.45pm start, after the performers had undertaken DofE or CCF afternoon activities.

The audience which swelled to 46 by the end of the programme gave full support to the youngsters who provided entertainment on a wide range of instruments - piano, cello, violin, tuba, clarinet, drum kit, and voice. Interestingly six of them were ex-Choristers, plus Jack Latteur, Stefan Fletcher, and Ana Vandepeer.

It was, in short, a fabulous experience of just forty minutes of high quality music, with pieces that would have challenged even the most practised of practitioners, never mind those making a public debut. Well done to them all, who battled with Bach, meandered through some Mozart, or hammered out some Haydn. Unknown composers emerged - Rieding's cello concerto; Capuzzi's andante; Jardani's sonatina, and Stefan Fletcher, who arranged and performed his own drum piece entitled quite fittingly, 'Calm, but not Really'.

If this were a football review, it would end with the team, in formation, and with performance ratings. In addition to those named above, also played: George Inscoe; Joshua Best-Shaw; Guy Steed; Matthew Barker; Joel Whitewood; and, Matthew Roberts. All of them deserve high marks, and should be retained for Bersey's next match in charge!

News for September

2010-06-11T02:25:00.000-07:00

After a long absence, I hope you like the new look!

I am pleased to announce a number of new initiatives to promote instrumental lessons in the Pre-Prep & Junior School, which will be available form September

Pay As You Go
For Pre-Prep and Junior School Years 3 & 4 pupils, lessons may be taken on a ‘pay as you go’ basis free from commitment and notice periods. Blocks of 5 lessons may be purchased in advance and will be renewable at the end of each half term. This scheme will be available for a maximum of 2 terms, at which point pupils will be asked to commit to the normal terms of Instrumental lessons

New location for some Junior School lessons
During the summer a second piano will be installed in Abingdon House providing a space for regular music lessons during the day in Late Stay. Where possible, lessons for our youngest pupils may be timetabled here, to minimise the disruption caused by lengthy trips to and from the Music School.

INSTRUMENTAL TRIAL MORNING
Saturday 11th September 10.00am – 12.00 noon

This exciting new event will provide pupils with an opportunity to try out instruments on an informal basis with our team of Visiting Music Teachers. The morning will begin with a performance given by our team of professional musicians, before teachers move into individual teaching rooms, in order to help young hopefuls ‘have a go’. Free to all, but pupils must be accompanied by a parent.

Jacqueline du Pre - the making of a legend. TALK POSTPONED

2010-04-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

With great regret, I must announce that the hugely exciting talk scheduled for next week, 'Jacqueline du Pre - the making of a legend', which was to be given by members of her family, has had to be postponed as two of the speakers are stranded in the Middle East.
We hope to reschedule the event for next term.

WMB

Welcome Back

2010-04-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

After a restful break and the long awaited arrival of Spring, it is good to be back. Another busy term lies ahead with the climax set for Tuesday 29th June, at 7.30pm in the School Hall. This year's Summer Serenade will follow the model of recent years in its concert format, presented indoors - safely away from the elements! The Symphony Orchestra will play Wagner's Overture to Die Meistersinger, movements from Dvorak's Slavonic Dances and selections from West Side Story, whilst the Chapel Choir will take on some negro spirituals and Lauridsen's beautiful Sure on this shining night. The XII, Brass Ensemble and Big Band will also feature in the programme, along with the String Ensemble, under the baton for the last time of Dr Richard Braddy, who leaves St Edmund's at the end of this term after 19 years of loyal service.

This year's Summer Serenade takes place at the end of term, and will be preceded by three mornings of intensive rehearsals on Saturday 26th, Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th June, details of which will follow in due course. Members of the Upper 5th and Sixth Forms are expected to contribute to this event as usual and should be in school for all rehearsals; I would appreciate parents' support on this matter.
Other events this term include 3 informal concerts:

Thursday 6th May, 1.45pm, Chapel: Senior School Informal Concert
Thursday 13th May, 1.45pm, Recital Hall: Recital by Will Bersey ('cello) and Spencer Payne (piano)
Thursday 20th May, 1.45pm, Recital Hall: Junior School Informal Concert
Thursday 10th June, 1.45pm, Recital Hall: Junior School Informal Concert
Friday 18th June, 4.45pm, Recital Hall: Lower & Middle 5th Music Scholars' Concert

As always, these recitals are open to all and I very much hope that you will be able to join us for them.

WMB

Congratulations & Thanks!

2010-03-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

A huge 'well done' and ‘thank you’ to all involved in the fantastic Gala Choral and Orchestral concert on Thursday night. After what felt like an eternity of rehearsals, everything came together so smoothly and the standard achieved was superb.

Particular congratulations should go to Sophie Belinfante for her splendid playing of the Saint-Saens Havanaise, and also to Seth Scott-Deuchar and Guy Steed for the Menuet of the Bizet L'Arlessiene.
The choirs were on fine form, with the recently reformed Choral Society, combined with the Chapel Choir and Choristers, producing a huge sound in the Vierne (an absolute thrill to conduct!)
Huge thanks to all, but particularly to Spencer Payne, not only for his superb organ playing, but also for accompanying the Choral Society throughout the term. And also to Carol Hawkins, for knowing what was going on in Choral Society rehearsals, amongst other things!
CDs will be produced soon - if you didn't order one on the night, please email music@stedmunds.org.uk and you will be pointing in the right direction. Clips for the blog will follow asap.
Evensong in the Cathedral on Thursday - hope to see you there!
WMB

En avant la musique!

2010-03-05T02:59:00.000-08:00

Choral & Orchestral Gala Concert
As we near this exciting concert rehearsals a now very important. The schedule has changed slightly and is as follows:
Friday 5th March
1.40 Chapel Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday 10th March
1.40 Chapel Choir Rehearsal
4.30 Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal
Thursday 11th March
7.30 Combined Choirs Rehearsal (Chapel)
Friday 12th March
1.40 Chapel Choir Rehearsal
Monday 15th March
1.40 Strings Sectional
Wednesday 17th March
6.30 Symphony Orchestra (QUIRE)
7.45 Combined Choirs (QUIRE)
Thursday 18th March
7.30 CONCERT

Many thanks in advance of all your hard work

WMB

Subscribe!

2010-02-17T05:01:00.000-08:00

Never miss out ...
Use the 'Subscribe' feature (below, right) and receive notifications of new posts on this blog!

WMB

New listening content added

2010-02-17T04:59:00.000-08:00

Please see (or hear) new audio files of the Chapel Choir and the XII - do have a listen.
Many thanks to Mr Ian Roberts for the recordings - CDs available from the Music Dept.

WMB

half term

2010-02-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their time with families and friends and not working too hard!

Music Parents' evening Wednesday 24th February - don't forget!
La la la

Congratulations to Watson house

2010-02-12T08:29:00.001-08:00

Well done to all who took part this afternoon - and congratulations to Watson!
A great result!

WMB

House Song Competition

2010-02-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

The tension is mounting.
Check back later for result!!

WMB

Welcome to our new blog!

2010-02-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

A warm welcome to you all to our new Music Department blog!
This will be the place to come for announcements, news, concert recordings and so much more.

Please take a look round, bookmark the page and come back again soon!

WMB