The annual Summer Concert once again proved a smash hit with families, staff and friends alike. Gathered together in the Prize Giving marquee, the concert saw the best of the Music Department get together to perform another spectacular evening of musical entertainment. From the Big Band’s booming brass to the Headmaster’s soulful singing, there was something for everyone as the College rounded off the term in style.
Comperes Patrick Kenny and Bobby Howard-Jones did a fantastic job of introducing each act, keeping the evening flowing smoothly. The Orchestra opened proceedings, performing I Can’t Give You Anything, by the Stylistics, followed by Love’s Theme, by Barry White. The Saxophone Quartet followed, with a traditional Latin American theme La Cucaracha. Rare Groove were next to the stage, with a musical piece - Pick Up the Pieces, by the Average White Band. They then invited singers to join them onstage, as they performed a toe-tapping funky piece by the Director of Music Mr Richard Curran, called Orange Soul. The Chamber Choir, fronted by Jordan Gibson and Maddie Chapples, were next in the spotlight, singing a note-perfect rendition of Adele’s famous tune Rolling in the Deep. Jordan Gibson stayed onstage to perform his last, heart-wrenching solo at the College; he chose Bob Dylan’s iconic Forever Young. The Community Choir then rounded off the First Act, with a lively version of Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water. The interval was preceded with the presentation of a cheque to mental health charity Sane; the Community Choir had raised an impressive £1,600 for the charity which works people of all ages, improving the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illnesses.
Following refreshments, band Stranded opened the Second Act, performing Bryan Adam’s Summer of ’69. The focus on pop songs did not end there, with the First Eight singing a beautiful acapella rendition of One Direction’s chart-topping Story of My Life. The Big Band then took to the stage, performing an instrumental version of Gordy’s Party Rock Anthem. The hotly anticipated duet from Headmaster Gregg Davies and Head of College Greg Cooke was the penultimate piece of the evening, singing Steam’s Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, accompanied by the prefects. The group even attempted some dance moves! The Covers Band closed the concert with a spectacular version of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer, which had the whole audience clapping and singing along. Year 12 pupil Marcus Bagshawe performed a highly accomplished solo on the electric guitar, closing the concert on a brilliant high. Mr Curran commented that ‘we’ve drawn a lot from popular music to ensure that there was something for everyone, and we’d like to thank everyone who came along to support. The pupils and staff who played in the concert have truly outdone themselves, and, as a handful of our musicians leave the College to head to University or into the world of work, we reflect on the commitment and enthusiasm that they have shown throughout their time at the College. Many thanks to them, and all the best as they move on to their next adventures.’
Please see the video below for highlights from the concert.