Music Events
Lent Term 2025
Welcome to Music, Lent Term 2025
The Lent Term at Clifton College offers a wide variety of musical experiences. January starts with the Year 5 production of Aladdin Jr, shortly followed by the annual Band Night which is a relaxed, high-quality evening of entertainment from our Upper School pop musicians.
As well as visiting the masterpiece of gothic architecture at St Mary Redcliffe Church for Evensong, esteemed piano pedagogue Michael Young will visit the Joseph Cooper Music School and six pupils wil receive invaluable insight and instruction from him.
There are plenty of informal concerts across the PrePrep and Prep Schools and the Tuesday Arts Club will showcase the talents of some of our Upper School pupils.
We hope to see you at an event soon!
James Drinkwater, Director of Music (Upper)
Julian Edgell, Director of Music (Prep)
Pip Gillam, Assistant Head (Pre-Prep), Head of Music (Pre-Prep)
- Advanced Performance Platform: Henry G
Monday 20 January, 6.00pm-7.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
A special solo recital from the first of our two Year 13 Joseph Cooper Music Scholars, Henry, pupil of Ani Schnarch (Royal College of Music), performing on violin, piano and voice.
Prep - Year 5 Play
Thursday 23 & Friday 24 January, 7.00pm-8.15pm
The Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, BS8 3LE
Aladdin - Come and see our Year 5s perform Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. This new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for our young performers!
Free to attend
Open to pupils, staff, family, OCs and the public
Ticketed event
Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff
Upper - Bristol Young Musician Competition Finale
Upper - Band Night
Friday 24 January, 7.30pm-10.00pm
Bristol Beacon, Trenchard St, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Two of Clifton’s top musicians compete against four others from school across Bristol and beyond in the final of the Bristol Rotary Club Young Musician Competition at the Lantern Hall of the Bristol Beacon.
Monday 27 January, 7.30pm-9.15pm
The Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, BS8 3LE
An evening of pop, rock, and electro music - expect a real mix of songs from our fantastic groups including the Soul Band and Big Band.
Ticketed event
Open to the public. Tickets can be bought from here https:// bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/young-musician-final-concert/
Free to attend
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Upper - Chamber Choir Evensong
Thursday 30 January, 4.30pm-6.00pm
St Mary Redcliffe Church, BS1 6RA
We make an eager return to what Queen Elizabeth I described as “the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England”, St Mary Redcliffe, near the Bristol harbourside, to sing a traditional evensong service, including Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s Evening Service.
Upper - Piano Masterclass with Michael Young
Sunday 2 February, 1.30pm-5.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
Six pupils receive instruction from esteemed piano pedagogue Michael Young (of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama). With 50 years of piano teaching experience, including posts as professor at the Royal Academy of Music and at Well Cathedral School, Mr Young’s insights will be invaluable to our young learners and equally beneficial to observers.
Free to attend
Open to all, including members of the public
Free to attend as an observer
Open to all, including members of the public
Prep - Anne Guy Concert
Monday 3 February, 6.30pm-9.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
This evening of music is performed by our most talented Year 7s and 8s. In memory of the school governor who widely supported music development in the Prep School.
Prep - Informal Concert
Tuesday 11 February, 4.00pm-5.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
The first Informal Concert of the term! Children from Years 4 to 8 of varying experience, perform to friends and family - expect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Closed event
By invitation only
Free to attend
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Pre-Prep - Informal Concert
Wednesday 12 February, 4.15pm-5.00pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
The first Informal Concert of the term! Children from Years 2 and 3 of varying experience, perform to friends and family - expect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Pre-Prep - Butcombe Song
Friday 14 February, 9.30am-10.45am
The Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, BS8 3LE
The Pre-Prep version of our much -loved Clifton College House Song competition takes place in the Redgrave Theatre. An exciting morning of singing, costume, theatre and dance. Our theme this year is Love and Happiness!
Free to attend
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Closed event
Open to pupils and staff only
Upper - Tuesday Arts Club: Advanced Performance Platform: Sophie C
Tuesday 25 February, 6.00pm-7.00pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
A special solo recital from the second of our two Year 13 Joseph Cooper Music Scholars, Sophie, pupil of Lorraine McAslan (Royal Academy of Music), performing on violin and viola.
Pre-Prep - Informal Concert
Wednesday 26 February, 4.15pm-5.00pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
The second Informal Concert of the term! Children from Years 2 and 3 of varying experience, perform to friends and familyexpect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Free to attend
Open to pupils, staff, family, OCs and members of the public
Free to attend
Open to pupils, parents and staff
Upper - Cabaret Evening
Thursday 6 March, 7.30pm-9.00pm
Big School Kitchen, Clifton College
A sparkling evening of cabaret-style musical theatre, where the very best from the repertoire comes to life. Enjoy a vibrant mix of solo performances, duets, and group numbers, all set in an atmospheric venue. With drinks in hand and delicious nibbles to enjoy, this is a night of captivating performances, memorable tunes, and plenty of sparkle. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of musical theatre in the stunning Big School Kitchen.
Upper - Joseph Cooper Concert at St George’s
Tuesday 11 March, 7.30pm-9.45pm
St George’s Concert Hall, off Park Street, BS1 5RR
Our finest musicians return to ‘the best acoustic for chamber music in Europe’ at St George’s Concert Hall, including Concert Band, Orchestra, Strings, soloists and our Big Band.
Ticketed event
Please see our website for more details
Free ticketed event
All year 12 pupils will be attending; all others including parents should book free tickets through the St George’s website: https:// www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/
Prep - Informal Concert
Tuesday 11 March, 4.00pm-5.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
Our second Informal Concert of the term! Children from Years 4 to 8 of varying experience, perform to friends and family - expect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Pre-Prep - Informal Concert
Tuesday 18 March, 4.15pm-5.00pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
Due to popular demand we have added a third Informal concert date to our busy term!
Closed event
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Free to attend
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Upper - Joint Choirs Concert with Fine Arts Brass
Tuesday 18 March, 7.00pm-9.00pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
A thrilling evening of music with the combined forces of the Prep and Upper School Choirs and Fishponds Primary School with the internationally-acclaimed Fine Arts Brass. To include Rutter’s stirring ‘Gloria’ and Duke Ellington’s soulful and jazzy ‘Sacred Concerts’.
Upper - Open Mic Night: Music in the Crypt
Thursday 20 March, 7.30pm-9.00pm
The Crypt, located underneath the Clifton College Chapel
From jazz to contemporary, covers to new numbers from our burgeoning singer-songwriting pupils, a relaxed but beautiful evening of music in the special setting of the Crypt
Free to attend
Open to parents and guests, pupils, OCs and staff
Free to attend
Open to all pupils, parents of performers and their guests
Upper - Spotlight Concert
Friday 21 March, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
An opportunity for soloists and chamber groups to perform - expect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Prep
- School Concert
Tuesday 25 March, 6.30pm-8.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
An opportunity for all our Ensembles to perform a wide range of music - Strings, Brass, Guitar, Flute and Clarinet Wind Ensembles as well as Orchestra, Swing Band Junior Choir and Pop Groups.
Free to attend
Open to parents and guests, OCs, pupils and staff
Free to attend
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Pre-Prep - Spring Celebration
Thursday 27 March, 12.30pm-1.15pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Join us for our joyous Spring celebration in Chapel preceded by our traditional Easter Bonnet Parade in the Quad. A great way to finish the term.
Free to attend
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Upper School Thursday House Recitals
Our early morning recital series is a wonderful way to start the day!
Come and hear 20 minutes of music from a talented Upper School musician - could be any age or instrument, but they are always most enjoyable.
• 16 January 8.20am - Joseph Cooper Music School
Edmund H and David C (NT) - cello, guitar
• 23 January 8.20am - Chapel
Seve P and Curtis T (MH) - cello, bassoon, piano
• 30 January 8.20am - Joseph Cooper Music School
Harry R and Hayden M (ST) - cello, trombone
• 6 February 8.20am - Joseph Cooper Music School
Ben F and Kaifeng W (SH) - piano, saxophone, violin
• 27 February 8.20am - Joseph Cooper Music School
Heather J (WoH) - saxophone, clarinet
• 13 March 8.20am - Joseph Cooper Music School
Rohan C and Ramon J (WaH) - piano
Free to attend
Open to all parents, pupils and staff
Pre-Prep Fun Friday Sing
Every Friday of term time the Pre-Prep comes alive with the sound of music. All Pre-Prep families are welcome to come and sing together with Mrs Gillam in the Pre-Prep Hall.
• 10 January 8.00am - 8.25am
• 17 January 8.00am - 8.25am
• 24 January 8.00am - 8.25am
• 31 January 8.00am - 8.25am
• 7 February 8.00am - 8.25am
• 14 February 8.00am - 8.25am
• 28 February 8.00am - 8.25am
• 7 March 8.00am - 8.25am
• 14 March 8.00am - 8.25am
• 21 March 8.00am - 8.25am
Location
Pre-Prep Hall
Free to attend
Open to all parents, pupils and staff
Music Scholarships 11+, 13+ and 16+
Clifton College has a strong musical tradition, and the study of music is an integral part of the curriculum.
We offer pupils a unique opportunity to achieve academic distinction and personal excellence.
Each year, we offer a number of scholarships, awards and bursaries to individuals with that spark of potential. Talented musicians are encouraged to apply for a Music Scholarship whatever their instrument.
There are scholarships at 11+ for entry into Year 7, 13+ for entry into Year 9 and at 16+ for entry into Year 12. These scholarships are merit based and competed for via examination, audition or other appropriate assessment.
The scholarship programme aims to enable pupils to pursue music to as high a level as they wish. Some will look to study music beyond Clifton and aim to go into the music profession, whereas for others it is a wonderful way to relax and achieve something of real value alongside their academic studies. We look to help all musicians individually achieve their goals, whatever they might be.
Previous Music Scholars have gone on to study music at Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and other conservatoires; others have been members of award-winning close harmony groups and recorded their own albums.
Find out more information at:
www.cliftoncollege.com/upper/admissions
Or contact: Mr James Drinkwater, Director of Music: jdrinkwater@cliftoncollege.com / 0117 3157 230
Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholarship 16+
In 2012, Sir David Willcocks announced his generous commitment to a new sixth-form organ scholarship in his name at Clifton College. A partnership with Bristol Cathedral was established to augment the role, and the inaugural Willcocks Scholar was appointed in 2013. Holders since then have won organ scholarship places at several Oxbridge colleges as well as at Hereford Cathedral.
A 32-foot extension of the Pedal Ophicleide reed at Clifton College was installed in Autumn 2017, and a CD recorded by Regent Records of the College choirs with pupil organists and brass was recorded in 2018 to celebrate this addition.
This 16+ post is for a sixth-form entrant, running for two years. Candidates may also jointly apply for the 16+ academic scholarships. The successful candidate will receive support from the Sir David Willcocks Trust as well as the opportunity to apply for generous means-tested funding towards either a boarding or day pupil place, which could be as much as 100% of fees and free instrumental lessons.
Directions to Venues
Preschool: Clifton College Preschool, Guthrie Road, Clifton, BS8 3ET
Forest Garden: Clifton College Forest Garden (opposite side of road from Preschool), Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
Pre-Prep Hall: Clifton College Pre-Preparatory School, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
Prep Music Department: Top Floor of Merry House, Clifton College Preparatory School, The Avenue, Clifton, BS8 3HE
Prep Hall: Clifton College Preparatory School, accessible from The Avenue, Clifton, BS8 3HE
Chapel: Access to Chapel either through Memorial Arch, opposite 32 College Road BS8 3HJ or from Reception on Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Joseph Cooper Music School: Located on Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
The Crypt: Located underneath the Clifton College Chapel, accessible from the Sports Field side
The Redgrave Theatre: Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
Big School Kitchen: Access to Big School Kitchen either through Memorial Arch, opposite 32 College Road BS8 3HJ or from Reception on Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
On street parking is available for free after 5pm.
Keep up to date with Music at Clifton College on Twitter, including videos and photos of concerts and events: https://twitter.com/ccolmusic @ccolmusic
