A weekend of success at WCAF!

The Junior Choir were our first ensemble to perform, impressing the panel of adjudicators with their lively renditions of the jazzy ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’, followed by a song called ‘Dorothy Dear’ from their forthcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. With excellent critique praising their ‘sparkling’ performances and clear two-part harmonies, the choir were delighted to receive a trophy.

Later in the morning the Brass Group, lead by Mr David Bates, excelled in their performances of ‘500 Miles’, and being awarded an Honours for their musical communication and tight rhythms, bringing home another trophy. Some pupils then dashed straight from their Brass performance across to another hall to perform with the Orchestra. The two contrasting pieces – ‘Haydn Seek’ in a neo-classical style, and ‘Cousin Louis’ in a blues style – showed off the dynamic range of the orchestra, and the judges commented that they were so pleased to see almost all instruments of an orchestra represented in a school ensemble.  Performing in a large theatre was nerve-racking for some, but the great acoustic and the supportive audience made it a happy experience for all – especially when they received another trophy.

The last ensemble to perform was our Harp Group, lead by Mrs Sinclair-Wilding, who performed a beautiful arrangement of the 1969 classic ‘Pop Corn’ by Gershon Kingsley (google it – you will know it!). The judges were thrilled to see a harp group – so rare – and delighted that the ensemble included such young players as Year 2 and 3 on the 16-string lap harps alongside three older players in Year 5 and 6 on their own 34-string lever harps. Their trophy was awarded for great ensemble skills, bring the WCAF trophy tally to five, including the Musical Theatre Group’s win the previous weekend!

Thank you to our peripatetic teachers and Mrs Hughes for preparing the children for their performances and to all the parents and families for their support across the last two weekends. This weekend sees the LAMDA pupils taking to the stage in WCAF; we wish everyone a fun festival!