Informality is the name of the game when it comes to the regular after school concerts in the Music School. They are there for children to have a goal to work towards and to give us a flavour of what they have been learning. There are no rules on appearance, with children often arriving to perform in their PE kit with muddy knees, straight from the sports field! The only thing we ask of everyone is that they relax and enjoy themselves.

We were delighted that a live audience made an appearance on two consecutive nights this week, to watch the informal ‘Pop & Rock’ concert on Monday evening, and to support a regular informal concert on Tuesday. 

The ‘Pop & Rock’ concert, expertly run by drum teacher Mr Mullowney and guitar teacher Mr Hough was an upbeat celebration of well-delivered and familiar pop songs, as well as exam material, on guitar and drums. Initial nerves were soon quelled as toes started tapping. Louis, our youngest performer, who has only had a small handful of lessons, played his chord progression with great confidence and a huge smile! Junior Rock Academy brought the concert to an exciting close with These Boots are Made for Walking, a hit song in the ‘60s, recorded by Nancy Sinatra. Wembley, here they come…!

Nerves abounded on Tuesday, as participation in both concerts this week was restricted to children in the lower years, some of whom had never performed before. We were treated to a beautifully varied mix of performances by violinists, saxophonists, pianists and singers. Especial thanks to our wonderful accompanist Kathy Rockhill, who supports the children through their performances from the piano with such skill.

The children relaxed into their performances and certainly looked as though they were enjoying themselves... once they had finished! Each appearance in an informal concert gives young musicians a mini boost of confidence which hopefully stays with them for the next one. Watching children in the older years who are seasoned pros is proof of this and is often an inspiration to the younger ones. We very much look forward to welcoming the Year 7s and 8s to an informal concert next week.

Informal concerts have been one of the mainstays of the music department through the last two years, delivered in all sorts of guises - on Zoom, live-streamed, and live. We also look forward to the two live ABRSM informal concerts on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd November. 

Teresa Henderson 

A reminder that this coming Saturday, 20th November, our amazing Assistant Director of Music, Katherine Rockhill, is accompanying Katherine Jenkins at the Guildhall, Southampton. There are also accessible dates in Bath, Cardiff, Guildford and London, and others around the UK. 
Ticket booking & further information here