It has been another productive and prosperous fortnight in the Music department as we approach the halfway point of the Summer term.
A big well done to all students in Years 3-6 who auditioned for solo places in the Prep House Music competition - the staff involved reliably inform me that there was such a huge amount of talent on display, and we very much look forward to the successful auditionees’ performances on Thursday 11th June. Sadly, as has become somewhat of a custom, the weather forecast took note of our intention to hold a Lockhart Garden rehearsal this Tuesday, and duly scheduled a day of rain! However, we have rescheduled for Monday 8th June and very much hope for more favourable conditions.
Thursday evening’s Year 8 Informal Concert was a wonderful display of talent lower down in the Senior School, and made us all feel so positive about the future of Ratcliffe Music. All students involved, playing a variety of instruments, truly distinguished themselves – huge congratulations to Eashaan A, Verity M, Dilys F, George M, Felicity R, Dan M, Emily V, Arthur B, Demi T, Isabelle R, Sophie M, Sophie K, Harry B and Jeremiah K. We so look forward to your continued contributions to Ratcliffe Music over the coming years.
We very much need our week’s break coming up, as upon our return we’re not planning on stopping until the very end of Summer term? Highlight 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.
However, of course the main event of the half term will be our biggest production of the academic year – the Picnic Concert. Things are rapidly taking shape, with successful auditionees for solo and small group slots being informed earlier this week. Ensemble numbers are also coming together – prepared to be wowed by the Choir’s Wicked medley, the Swing Band’s tribute to Hawaii Five-O and the Orchestra’s beautiful medley from Holst’s ‘The Planets’, among many other wonderful things. Tickets are available here – don’t miss out on the final tickets available!
Wishing you all an enjoyable, musical half term break.
Mr Harris, Director of Music.
