Strings have steadily gone from strength to strength since occupation of the Music School this time last year. An amazing 45 lessons are now taught each week on violin, cello and double bass. The Music Department was therefore delighted to welcome Mrs Christina Scott, Head of Strings at Bryanston School, and two of her violin students, Ling Ling and Kate, to Farleigh on Tuesday for an exclusive workshop for 34 string players in Years 3 and above. 

The assembled string orchestra launched straight into the workshop led by Mrs Scott, with assistance from Kate, Ling Ling and Mrs Stevens. The children worked incredibly hard throughout the afternoon to present a polished performance of a lively tango by Rodriguez, La Cumparsita, requiring much counting, rhythmic violin tapping and bow changing, all expertly achieved in such a short time! Pachelbel's Canon, also rehearsed during sessions with Mrs Stevens, was beautifully performed by the Farleigh pupils with the addition of the top parts played by the Bryanston team.

We were lucky to be treated to solo performances of challenging pieces by Smetana and Kabalevsky by the accomplished Bryanston pupils who are studying for Grade 8 violin (Ling Ling, Year 10), and auditions for Music College (Kate, L6), both a great inspiration for all those learning any instrument!

Thank you to all the children for their impressive levels of concentration and high standard of behaviour, Mrs Stevens for preparing them all so well, Mr Reeves for providing the excellent piano accompaniment keeping everyone together, and of course, to Bryanston's Music Department with whom we hope to work again soon.