Musical digest: lunchtime concerts

Two lunchtime recitals gave Year 10 boys the chance to perform to an audience, but without the pressure of a formal concert.

Eleven boys from the GCSE Music group gave solo performances to classmates and members of staff in the first concert held in the Music block, followed by ten in the second.

GCSE candidates are required to give solo performances as part of their coursework; their final attempt next Easter will be recorded.

Among those playing were Robert Sarkar, on clarinet, pianist Jimmy Shi and alto saxophonist Oliver Than-Lu. Other instruments played ranged from the violin to the electric guitar and keyboard. The most commonly played was the piano, on which ten boys performed.

Music teacher Thomas Jack said: “The Year 10 recitals allowed GCSE students to perform solo items as a ‘dress-rehearsal’ of sorts for their final coursework performances in the second term of Year 11. It was an invaluable opportunity to try out their pieces, but also to gain experience in performing in a semi-formal setting in front of their peers, with all the ensuing nerves – and excitement!”