On Friday 24th March our Under 11 Choir, Senior and Training Orchestras and Brass Band travelled to Rothwell Music Festival, an annual competitive event which provides a platform for amateurs of all ages and abilities to perform music in a competitive but friendly atmosphere. Competitors are judged by professional adjudicators.

In the afternoon, our U11 choir competed against Fulneck School and Coram House, both of which performed brilliantly and were placed in first place, winning the trophy. We performed Chariot’s Comin’ and the beautifully atmospheric I Remember.  The adjudicator complimented the choir on their rhythmic energy, their well blended tone and balanced part singing. A fantastic result!

In the Senior section, The Youth Brass Band, Training Orchestra and Senior Orchestra all played at the Blackburn Hall as well as cornet soloist Catherine Mellor from Year 8.

Youth Brass Band, conducted by Michael Dodd opened with a Unity Anthem, then Davey Webster played an amazing virtuosic solo (without music), Grandfather’s Clock accompanied subtly by the band, Mid All the Traffic provided a contrast, which was a thoughtful arrangement of Shenandoah.  They finished with Alan Fernie’s African Funk which featured an extended drum solo from Ollie Whyte.

The training orchestra, conducted by Nick Meredith played arrangements of Autumn, Road Runner and St Anthony’s Chorale.

The Senior Orchestra, conducted by Nick Meredith played arrangements of John Williams’ Duel of the Fates,  Dvorak’s New World Symphony 4th Movement and Mancini’s The Pink Panther.

The adjudicator, Marilynne Davies, was very complimentary about all the playing and range of instruments.  She enjoyed the programme choice very much. Congratulations to Catherine Mellor who received first prize in the brass solo class! Similarly, congratulations to the Training Orchestra, Senior Orchestra and Youth Brass Band who also received first prizes and distinctions in their classes. They received trophies and a shield which will be proudly displayed in school.

Well done everyone.

Mrs R White and Mrs K Bentham

Head of Music: Junior and Senior sections