From West Side Story to the North Pole!

The Winter Concert saw hundreds of musicians put on a seasonal spectacular in the Shearly Hall.

With this year’s event moved closer to the end of term, there was even more of a festive feel. Santa hats and reindeer antlers were much in evidence, and the massed vocalists of the School Choir, accompanied by the Jazz Band, delivered a rousing finale of Run, Rudolph, Run.

Headmaster Neil Enright said: “Our musicians brilliantly captured the fun and joy of the season, but combined that with a very high standard of musicianship throughout.

“There really was something for everyone, whether that was toe-tapping to Junior Jazz playing Billy Joel, rocking out to the Electric Guitar Ensemble’s rendition of a Metallica track, or being transported to the ballet for the thrilling and stirring ending of Swan Lake.

“Two-thirds of the items on the programme were conducted or directed by students, which is remarkable. And we enjoyed some great festive moments – including elves and even a boy in a shirt adorned with tree lights!

“My thanks go to the Music department whose work ethic, attention to detail, and inspiring leadership gets the boys to this level. I am also grateful to those pupils who fulfilled roles including helping with stage management and welcoming guests on the doors. Their work, together with that of our fantastic Friends of Queen Elizabeth’s volunteers, made for a smooth and enjoyable evening for all.”

The Senior Winds performed a selection from West Side Story. Fans of the Last Night of the Proms enjoyed the rising tempo of The Sailor’s Hornpipe, aided by the counting skills of Wendy Fung, Head of Academic Administration, who joined Director of Music Ruth Partington on percussion.

In perhaps the biggest-ever end to the first half of a QE concert, the full orchestra and all of Junior String, Senior Strings, Junior Winds and Senior Winds massed on the staging – even spilling off it! – for Tchaikovsky’s Trepak. Again, the boys were aided by members of staff on percussion, including Assistant Head Crispin Bonham-Carter; Head of Year 10 Celia  Wallace; Head of Biology Gillian Ridge; and Head of English Robert Hyland.

The Headmaster awarded Music colours to 20 pupils, with Music Bars going to Leo Sellis, of Year 13. The recognition is for longstanding commitment and excellence, but also for making a difference to others.

Miss Partington said: “The way in which pupils are given responsibility and then help those around them – not necessarily just younger pupils – ensures there are always new stars coming through and shining brightly. That help can involve simply setting an example or it can, for instance, see them assisting others in tackling more complex repertoire.”

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