Music - Joe Giles Y13 There are few aspects of College life I will miss more than my involvement in Dulwich music when I move on at the end of the year. The department has a unique quality in its ability to unite boys of all ages with all manner of musical interests and specialties, and this broad appeal has allowed me to thrive amongst numerous talented musicians who have become some of my closest friends. Already a keen musician when I arrived at Dulwich in 2011, the department provided a welcome opportunity to meet like-minded people in an initially daunting environment. I cannot count the number of times I have sought refuge in the music block when at a loose end, where I am always guaranteed to find someone I know. Having previously sung at St George’s Cathedral, the Chapel Choir was an obvious draw for me. Led by the dedicated and long serving team of Richard Mayo, Dan Ludford- Thomas and John Carnelley, this institution has gone from strength to strength in the last decade or so. My own personal highlights involve tours to the USA, Paris and Truro, a recent CD recording and concerts at various prestigious venues such as The Royal Festival Hall, Cambridge
University and Westminster Abbey. What is particularly impressive is the maintenance of extremely high standards across the years. Choral singing is a transitory occupation: voices change and break, (I was especially emotional when this happened to me) and inevitably the most experienced singers move on every summer. In spite of this, ambitious undertakings such as those listed above have remained possible due to the depth of talent and sheer graft of those involved. This year though, it may be different. The choir is currently at an all time high, testament to both the boys and those who direct them. With so many key figures departing in July, it may be a long time before such excellence is achieved again. Yet singing more widely is strong: boys of all ages seem to genuinely enjoy hymn singing in assemblies and hopefully budding successors will be found amongst the masses of raw talent. If music of the classical ilk has always been widely practiced, some of the less traditional varieties have thrived in the last few years, with an increasing focus on more contemporary genres. The house music competition is especially popular with boys from the ages of eleven to eighteen and
encompasses all manner of styles. The recent introduction of an electric section has proved especially successful and provided a stage for the school’s most able rock musicians who rarely have chance to showcase their ability. On a personal note, the house music competition has allowed me to develop leadership qualities and set an example to younger boys, which I have come to relish. Perhaps the highlight of my time at DC has been victory in the competition last year, and especially our house barbershop performance. Acapella singing is something I am especially passionate about, participating in the inter-foundation schools’ most elite group Alleynian Blues for four years and even establishing my own quartet with whom I had the privilege to perform in America. This exemplifies the increasingly inclusive nature of music at the College, with acapella singing and jazz ensembles accompanying the choir and orchestra on the tour. Music has even perforated to other areas of College life: last year’s production of the musical Grease, in which I was pianist and assisted with direction, allowed talented boys who would not usually do so a chance to sing in front of a large and supportive audience. As is evident, music at the College
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