21 November 2014

There have recently been plenty of musical events both in School and off campus! On Sunday, the Jazz Band travelled to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys for the annual NCBF North Regional Festival. They played four pieces which were highly praised by the adjudicator, and their hard work in rehearsal was rewarded with a Platinum Award! They have now been invited to participate at the two-day Thirtieth Anniversary National Concert Band Festival in April next year.

To listen to the Jazz Band's Platinum Award winning performance at the NCBF North Regional Festival on the School's Soundcloud page, click here.

On Saturday, the Chamber Choir took part in a concert held in the Boys' Division Great Hall to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy charity. Several hundred pounds were raised at this annual event thanks to all of the musicians who took part.

There was rich musical variety on offer at the Joint Autumn Concert last Wednesday. Both Boys' and Girls' Division pupils from Years 7 to 13 were involved in making this a spectacular evening, full of thoroughly enjoyable music. From Classical to pop music, and movie soundtracks to traditional pieces, there really was something for everyone.

The Saxophone Ensemble were busy on Saturday: they travelled to the Trafford Centre to jazz up the launch of the John Lewis Christmas Range! Providing a selection of festive tunes, they delighted shoppers and helped set the right mood, and each saxophonist received a small gift from the store as a token of thanks.

To listen to the Saxophone Ensemble's rendition of 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everday' (Wizzard) on the School's Soundcloud page, click here.

Also last week, Sixth Form pupils enjoyed an afternoon lecture from Simon Dixon, the Sir Bernard Pares Professor of Russian History at University College London. Professor Dixon gave a fascinating talk on the rulers of Russia from 1855 to 1964, and also investigated the Theory of Modernisation with pupils.

In sporting news, Ellie Broome in Year 11 has recently been crowned Junior Champion at her local golf club! This follows her recent invitation to join the Cumbria Girls' Elite Golf squad.

The Boys' Division U13 Water Polo team have also enjoyed success this week: they have won the coveted President's Trophy! The boys played against three rival teams in a round-robin tournament, hosted by Bolton School. The team worked very hard to secure comfortable wins in all of their matches throughout the day.