Earlier this term, I visited Hampton School for the Independent State Schools PERFORMING ARTS: ISSP MUSIC DAY
Partnership (ISSP) music day. There were around 20 Waldegrave students, one of the largest cohorts attending - testament to the excellent work of our music department and the quality of our school orchestra - alongside a variety of schools from Hampton and Lady Eleanor Holles, to Teddington and Tolworth.
For the morning session we were split into wind and string sectionals, as a violist I was in the strings. The repertoire was diverse and exciting, covering latin fusion ‘Tico Tico’, Bizet’s ‘Farandole’ from his l’arlesienne suite and musical theatre hit ‘Seize The Day’. These were brought alive by the fantastic group of musicians; in fact I later learned that my desk partner was a concerto standard soloist who participated in competitions across the country. To play alongside such an incredible musician was truly a privilege. Following the morning session, we were treated to a workshop with a beatboxer. We learned how the famous “boots and cats”, a beginner- friendly beatbox phrase, could be used to create a simple rhythm and I was one of many to perform a short sequence in front of the orchestra. It was lots of fun, however beatboxing is not in my future! After lunch we had an afternoon of rehearsals where the wind section, strings and choir combined to rehearse joint pieces. It was fascinating to see how different instruments (especially the choir) rehearsed and to see not only the strings’ but the other groups’ music improve around us. Our day’s efforts culminated in an incredible concert in the beautiful Hammond Theatre. Soloists and small groups played the first half, including a notoriously difficult piece, Vivaldi’s four seasons. It was such a joyful feeling, playing good music alongside brilliant musicians.
I hope this remains a regular fixture in the Waldegrave music calendar and that others are able to share in this amazing opportunity.
Article by Flo V, 10FCO
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