We welcomed an ABRSM examiner to Ratcliffe last Monday for our termly exam session, and we are delighted once again with a very strong set of results, testimony to the excellent work of our peripatetic staff. Of particular note are Vidhi Nair (Grade 7 Singing, Distinction), Nicholas Angell (Grade 2 Trumpet, Distinction), John Bowden (Grade 5 Trumpet, Merit), Sanvi Nair (Grade 5 Piano and Singing, both Merit), Lucas Zhang (Grade 4 Trumpet, Merit), Demi Tijani (Grade 4 Piano, Merit) and Ben Kay (Grade 5 Violin). However, hugely congratulations to every single student, all of whom passed their exam and now look forward with anticipation to the next step on the ladder of their musical journey.
Last Tuesday, our annual Scholars’ Concert took place, one of the most exciting smaller-scale events of the year, in which the College’s finest musicians come together for an outstanding evening of music making. Congratulations to all involved – Daniel Markham, Fimidara Adenle, Eashaan Acharya, Phoebe Blow, Robert Horst, Lucas Zhang, Iszac Rodrigues, Abigail Cole, Sanvi Nair, Florence Rudkin, Niky Pattni, Ben Kay, Grace Martin, Vidhi Nair, Violet Rudkin, Teresa Chmurovicova and Inigo Tristanto. We are so fortunate to have such a committed group of outstanding musical ambassadors in the form of our scholars, and I once again express my gratitude for the work they do in making Ratcliffe Music such a vibrant and high-achieving place.
Our Prep School Informal Concerts series for the Autumn Term came to a close last Thursday with Year 3 having their chance to shine, and my thanks to Head of Prep Music, Mrs Cook, for her hard work and tireless efforts in ensuring these events are such a success, ensuring the students have the best musical foundations laid for them ahead of their transition to the Senior School.
Of course, the major event of this term takes place tonight, our Christmas Concert in the Chapel. We have so much wonderful music lined up, and the evening will be something very special indeed. I look forward to reporting all about it in a fortnight’s time.
To finish off the term, a select group of Choir members very much look forward to participating in the annual Menphys Carol Concert at De Montfort Hall next Friday – not only is this a wonderful opportunity for students to experience performing in such a prestigious venue, it also raises a large amount of money for such a worthwhile cause. There are tickets still available so please do join us! And in the final week, we have Music on the Balcony to entertain the College community as they eat their lunch on the final Wednesday, and of course our Senior Carol Service on the final afternoon. This is a very special event in which the whole community unites to reflect on the significance of this time in the liturgical calendar in the most beautiful manner, before we all go our separate ways for a well-earned rest. Our Choir and Orchestra will once again play a key role, and they will of course distinguish themselves as always.
Wishing you all an enjoyable, musical fortnight.
Mr Harris, Director of Music
