The Christmas Concerts at the end of last week showcased the outstanding range of music-making at Abingdon School. Wednesday’s concert focused on the bands and choirs, opening with the First Year Choir singing ‘Little Jack Frost, Get Lost’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ with great spirit and enthusiasm. The Clarinet Ensemble followed with the ‘Hansel and Gretel Overture’, before the Percussion Ensemble took to the stage with upbeat renditions of The Flintstones theme and ‘Summon the Spirits’, a Taiko drumming–inspired piece.
The Lower School Orchestra also featured, performing the Star Wars Theme and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The concert then moved on to the larger bands: Jazz Band took to the stage with ‘Megalovania’ and the Latin jazz standard Bésame Mucho. Big Band followed with accomplished performances of Spain, Moment’s Notice, and High Maintenance. Concert Band brought this varied programme to a close with a Coldplay medley and Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival.
The concert made clear not only the sheer joy our students take in music-making, but also the breadth of provision within the Music Department. Our thanks go to the visiting music teachers, ensemble leaders, music staff, and parents, without whom such a high level of music-making would not be possible.
