The show must go on!

The Spring Term would normally have seen three music recitals performed in the Arts Centre – two Senior and one Junior. These recitals are designed to be an opportunity for pupils who are learning a musical instrument to showcase their progress and gain experience of performing in front of an audience.

Like so many other things, this was not possible while pupils were learning from home during January and February, but there most definitely was a will and a way! In a tremendous team effort, Mrs Sargent and Ms Munro recorded an accompaniment for each piece, with Miss Ashworth and Mr Taylor recording the piano accompaniments, and Mr Walsh provided precise instructions on how best to record at home. Every pupil then created their own performance to be put together with some video wizardry by Mr Peterken. The recitals have been released week by week and, as we go to press, six recitals have been shared with the whole school community and there are still two more to release. We include here some of the individual performances that were part of the recital compilations and congratulate every pupil who took part and gave their best in challenging circumstances.

Director of Music Mrs Sargent said: “ Yet again, Withington musicians have risen to the challenge! Attending virtual instrumental lessons and rehearsals during lockdown, practising individual parts at home and taking the time and effort to master the recording techniques required. The talent and determination of the pupils never ceases to amaze me – they have excelled in their performance work and are a real credit to the school.”

Composers

Saxophone Sonata 3^rd Movement – Lawson Lunde 

Nocturne in Eb – Chopin 

Mister Snow – Rodgers & Hammerstein

Me & the Sky – David Hein & Irene Sankoff 

Castle in the Sky – Joe Hisaishi 

Mind the Gaps – Kit Morgan 

Fly Me to the Moon – Bart Howard 

Sarabande – Grieg

Red Gardens Roses – Mattias Maute

‘Naughty’ from Matilda – Tim Minchin