Concerts, concerts, concerts

Last week saw a brief series of concerts for the boys and girls. Sadly Tom's mu and I couldn't attend them all, that seems to be the way as we try to squeeze everything in.

On the wednesday there was a performance where the children in year three played various instruments. This was in school time and Tom's mum went along. Tom's being playing Cello for less than nine months now but still managed very well.

Then after school on Friday, years 3,4,5 choristers and pros gave a brief concert - short, relaxed and with a glass of wine afterwards (as always), the aim was to get the boys comfortable with performing in front of an audience, and especially to get the boys used to performing solos. 

The 12 boys sang a selection of pieces, here are a few examples:

Consider yourself (from Oliver) by Lionel Bart

Silent Worship by Handel

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square b y Manning Sherwin

The Cloths of Heaven by Thomas Dunhill

I bought me a cat by Copland.

It was a lovely broad range of material - now I'm not an expert but there were some classic singing pieces and what I'd describe as show tunes.

Tom had what many thought was the most difficult slot, singing first with Consider Yourself which he deliverd beautifully. He was joined by everyone for the last verse, which was clever as it gave everyone a good warm-up and 'broke the ice'.

It was interesting to see and hear how Tom had developed since we last heard him solo (at our small Church last Christmas). Those year five boys were clearly more advanced - technically and, given their physical age, most had a better set of lungs!

What we find amazing is that at this age there appear to be no nerves, no stage fright, all without being over confident. Sadly I think, nerves are what we pick-up though later life although of course they can be a good thing.

And to show their thanks, the head chorister presented their singing teacher with a well deserved and huge bouquet of flowers. 

Then Monday was the Summer concert at one of the many local city churches. Sadly we didn't manage to get to this. It featured several choirs, orchestras and music groups. 

It's lovely how much the school supports music, not just the roots of the choir and the cathedral but also giving every child a great opportunity to express themselves through music.