Saturday's concert of Wind and Brass was a triumph and one that highlighted our musical ethos and routes of progression in so many ways. It was a celebration of how independent practice - hard work, commitment, attention to detail and teamwork can come together and produce such amazing performances. Students throughout our secondary phase performed, some who started learning with us when they were at their primary school. Real all-through learning. Teachers who have spent hours creating bespoke arrangements for their ensembles, so that every musician feels confident in their ability, yet challenged to do even better. Some younger musicians were in the audience, in awe of what they will soon be able to join and be part of. Families, both immediate and extended, in the audience watching their children grow and learn so much. The joy of an evening like this is seeing and hearing pride in the musicians, wanting to be there, wanting to be part of Team Music. Whilst this was only one concert of so many this year, it is one that showcases so much of what we do and why we do it.
We know that life is about what we, as individuals, achieve. So much that we achieve is part of a team, working in harmony with others. In our music, that is what we do, day after day.
Mark Taylor, Director of Music