The sun is out, students are roaming the fields and exam preparations are heightening – that means only one thing, the summer term has begun at Ratcliffe!
I must begin by offering my apologies for missing an edition of my blog – our newest addition to the Harris family made a slightly earlier appearance than expected! However, it has been lovely to be back for the past couple of days, seeing our wonderful students again and putting into motion plans for the term ahead.
Last term ended with a true flourish, with a poignant Easter Service driven by our wonderful Choir and Orchestra, followed by the notorious House Music Competition. Happily, once again this didn’t disappoint, and a wonderful afternoon of musical talent was enjoyed by all. The entire College community was thoroughly entertained by the breadth of musicianship on offer, with the four categories of Solo Vocal, Solo Instrumental, Ensemble and House Song being hotly contested by a full compliment of outstanding entries from each house. The theme of ‘Girlbands’ was also a marvellous way to get everybody involved in the House Song, although I’m not sure I’ll forget Mr Seth’s Irish dance moves during Leetham’s rendition of ‘C’est la vie’ for a while to come!
Hugest congratulations go to our category winners, as follows:
- Solo Vocal – Annabella G (De Lisle)
- Solo Instrumental – Teresa C (Arundel)
- Ensemble – Arundel
- House Song – Arundel
That therefore meant the overall winner was indeed Arundel house, and my hugest congratulations go to all involved, with a particular mention to senior musician Vidhi Nair for her outstanding leadership and arrangement skills which meant this victory was possible. My heartfelt thanks also go to our fantastic judges, Mr Doherty, Mr J Harris, Mr Barlow and Mrs Fleckney, whose rational and positive critique made the event so exciting and professional.
We have a huge amount to look forward to over the coming term. The final week of the half term sees two key events for the department – our second Lockhart Garden Recital of the year, taking place on Tuesday 19th May at lunchtime, and the Year 8 Informal Concert on Thursday 21st May in the Music Hall at 5pm. Students are reminded to regularly check their e-mails for the opportunity to sign up to perform in both of these events – whilst the Year 8 event is only open to students in this year group, the Lockhart Garden Recital is for everyone and we very much hope lots of students will choose to take advantage of this wonderful performance opportunity in such beautiful surroundings.
Then, the final half term of the year is when the real fun begins, with our biggest event of the year, the Picnic Concert, taking place in the marquee at 5pm on Saturday 20th June. As ever, all of our key ensembles will be taking centre stage in what is shaping up to be an unforgettable night, as well as a select number of outstanding soloists and small group numbers, auditions for which conclude next week. Tickets are available here – the event is always a sell-out, so get in quick to guarantee your seat at the musical highlight of the year.
Other highlights of the coming term to look forward to include ABRSM exams on Monday 15th June, Exhibition Day on Tuesday 23rd June, a trip to London to see the West End production of Mamma Mia on Thursday 2nd July, Blessed Antonio Rosmini Day on Friday 3rd July, and not to mention the department’s first ever international concert tour to Germany from Saturday 27th June to Wednesday 1st July! What an exciting time to be a Ratcliffe musician.
Wishing you all an enjoyable, musical fortnight.
Mr Harris, Director of Music
