Junior School Orchestras Put On An Impressive Show

It was a great opportunity for the young virtuosos to play together, as 16 members of Crackley Hall’s Orchestra joined 16 Crescent instrumentalists for a day designed to develop and stretch their music and performance skills.

Pupils from both schools worked under the guidance of Directors of Music, Julie Barnes and Susan Olden, to prepare and rehearse a mixture of pieces ready for an afternoon performance for parents.

The children enjoyed a busy morning and afternoon of rehearsals, they relished making music together, especially in such a big group. They worked hard to prepare three challenging pieces, including the instantly recognisable I Am Sailing by Rod Stewart, two complicated movements, Woody’s Round Up and When She Loves Me, from Toy Story 2 and the catchy big band number In The Mood by Glen Miller. All of the pieces tested the players’ technical and music-reading ability to the limit.

The afternoon concert was super, a sensational symphony of sound. As well as featuring the full 32-piece orchestra playing their now near perfect pieces, it included four solo performances, two from each school. Thomas Zanyi played The Hunter’s Choice on cello, Jasper Nicholls played Mr Creek on alto saxophone, Holly Delaney-Waugh played Somewhere Over The Rainbow on violin and Henry Corbin played Theme and Allegro Brillante from Grand Fantasia.

Mrs Barnes, Director of Music at Crescent, commented, “It was another very successful day and the pupils enjoyed working and collaborating together. They achieved a very high standard of performance, and this was due in no small part to the preparation and practising that went on in the weeks beforehand”.

Mrs Olden, Director of Music at Crackley Hall, agreed commenting, "The children had a brilliant day, it was fantastic for them to play with different instruments and with so many other talented musicians."

It was a great to see the young musicians enjoying learning and working together!