Needless to say, our energies of the past fortnight have been almost entirely dedicated to this production - I will write a full article on Matilda next half term, which will go into much more detail about this spellbinding production. However, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the truly wonderful group of people who have all pulled together to make this production such a triumph – the talented, generous, enthusiastic cast who I am lucky enough to call my students, and the tireless, committed, visionary crew who I am lucky enough to call my colleagues and friends. I can only apologise if you weren’t lucky enough to catch the show, as it really was something special. The future is so incredibly bright for Performing Arts at Ratcliffe, and we cannot wait to see what we do next.
The upcoming second half of the Spring Term is, of course, a very busy one for the Music department. We start off the half term with the inaugural Ratcliffe Music Society Chamber Concert, our exciting new initiative which aims to promote a the highest standards of music making whilst also encouraging the next generation of professional musicians. Current Ratcliffe Music staff members will be flexing their performance muscles (some for the first time in a little while!) and taking centre stage, and it promises to be an unforgettable evening. Tickets can be purchased here – please do come along to support.
Our termly ABRSM exam session will be taking place on Monday 9th March and Tuesday 10th March – we are delighted to see so many high grades on the schedule (including numerous Grade 8s, and even one Diploma!) and wish candidates the very best of luck. All being examined will now have received their exam time, so if you are not sure, please check for an e-mail from Mr Finn.
This year’s Spring Concert will take place in the Theatre on Friday 13th March at 7pm – the solo audition slots are already filling up nicely, and tickets can be purchased here. We do hope you will be able to join us, and look forward to welcoming you for our termly celebration of the Music department.
Those attending our inaugural department concert tour to Germany will have already received a letter from me regarding the Parent Information Evening on Tuesday 24th March, and please may I politely remind you to complete the passport information form if you have not done so already, along with bringing along a photocopy of the photo page to the meeting itself. The tour manager sent me the final version of the itinerary this week and it looks exciting to say the least!
Finally, the term will end with the annual House Music Competition, and I have already been so impressed with the organisational skills and rehearsals from the students leading their houses this year. To mobilise students in musical activities is no mean feat (as I often like to remind them!), but these students are doing a sterling job and no doubt would make excellent Directors of Music at Ratcliffe in the future.
Wishing you all an enjoyable, musical half term break.
Mr Harris, Director of Music
