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September 2017
Abingdon
Music and Drama
The cello ensemble opened the Spring
Concert with the boys playing as chamber
musicians, without a conductor. The concert
was a tremendous success with highlights
including solo improvisations from Big Band
and a spontaneous round of applause for the
young players of the Symphonic Wind Band.
Cello Ensemble
The Big Band was amongst the headline
acts for this year’s Abingdon’s Jazz
Festival alongside other boy led bands
and a staff ensemble.
It is always encouraging, just as we say farewell to our senior musicians,
to hear the musical talent coming through in the lower years. This year’s
Junior Music Scholars’ and Soloists’ Concert contained some sparkling
performances, including representatives from each orchestral section
alongside some outstanding pianists.
Junior Scholars’ and
Soloists’ Concert
Big Band
The third and final phase of the Solo
Competition, the junior category, saw 12
talented performers impress the audience and
judge with a range of instruments, including
woodwind, brass, strings and piano. The final
decision was very close. Nicholas Raptakis
and Jake de Jongh came joint 3rd, Oliver
Glover, 2nd and Oliver Northwood, 1st with
Mendelssohn’s Romance No 3.
Junior Solo
Competition
The last concert of the year saw a very welcome
guest in the form of the Headmaster join the Chamber
Orchestra as a double bassist and the Gospel Choir
as a bass. The Summer Evening of Light Music, with
a diverse programme performed by all the senior
ensembles and vocal groups, was a fitting end to a
tremendous year for the Music department.
Summer
Concert