CENTRE STAGE

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Resolution Project

In November 2021, Cranleigh was honoured to represent the UAE at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow through our submission of the song, World On Our Shoulders The song was performed by Cranleigh’s talented Year 9 to 12 singers and dancers and filmed in iconic locations around Abu Dhabi. The song forms an active initiative of The Resolution Project, a global climate action programme to raise sustainability awareness. It has been sung in over 110 countries, in 57 languages and seen by over 360 million people worldwide.

““Even though the school could not be physically together in front of a live audience, it was wonderful to celebrate the continued passion and enthusiasm for Music, Drama and Dance.”

Cranleigh Cabaret

Whilst we could not perform in front of a live audience, we could still bring ensembles, choirs, dancers, and actors together to record Cranleigh Cabaret. The footage was recorded throughout the year with performances from all areas of the School, from Pre-Prep songs to Senior presentations. The piece opened with Welcome to the Rock, performed by our Senior School pupils. This is the opening song from the musical Come From Away which speaks to friendship in the face of adversity, a fitting tribute to how we have embraced the challenges of the pandemic.

Victorian Villainy

The Year 4 show, Victorian Villainy, delivered mystery, intrigue, catchy songs, remarkable set design, authentic costumes, and superb acting talents from the cast. The show was rehearsed in Music and Drama lessons and filmed on the weekend of 18th and 19th June. To abide by COVID-19 regulations, we captured the pupils on stage and in full costume as they performed. Even though the show was not in front of a live audience, it was brilliant to have all the production elements come together again. A big thank you to all involved in making this a spectacular way to end the year.

“The Year 4 show was a fun experience, even though we didn’t have a live audience, I’ve made tickets and will enjoy watching the show with my family this summer.”

“I loved being in the Year 4 play, our costumes were super, and it was fun learning the songs.”

68 pupils participating in BSME Dance

Dance

“The engagement in the Resolution Project and the quality of dance presentations were a testament to the hard work and transferable skills we promote. Cranleigh also shone again this year at BSME Dance. The pupils’ enthusiasm and confidence in addressing this competition was a credit to themselves and the School, with many pupils winning individual awards. It is fantastic to have such creative collaboration and dedication celebrated.”

Kelly Gallagher, Director of Drama and Dance, Head of Dance

BSME Dance

Like last year, we were elated to host BSME Dance in 2021/22. The festival was hosted online, and 29 schools across the Middle East participated. This year’s theme was ‘Art in Motion’, with dances inspired by art pieces. As well as hosting the event, our own dancers were hugely successful. Alexa (Year 10) ranked third in the highly competitive Senior Solo Performance category. Year 7 BSME Dancers won the Senior Group Category, Olivia (Year 6) won the Junior Solo competition, and the Year 6 group won Second place in the Junior Group Performance Category. Congratulations to all!

““I’m thrilled to have won with my dance. It was so great to see all the dancers come together, and I’m proud to have been part of this competition.”

10 new Dance Scholars joined the team

Music

“This year was one of transition, and there was much to celebrate, from honours at national composition awards to inaugural instrumental competitions. In addition, we were thrilled that Cranleigh won its first award at the international BSME competition, Young Musicians of the Gulf. The number of our Music Scholars grew, creating an exceptional collection of musicians ready to inspire our young cohorts. Throughout the year, all pupils worked hard to raise spirits and truly show what it means to be a Cranleighan. cannot wait to see what they produce going forward.”

497 pupils participating in Music CCAs

934 pupils participating in Dance CCAs

7 new Music Scholars

Martin Barraclough, Director of Music

BSME Young Musicians of the Gulf (YMOG)

The Music Department celebrated successes within and beyond the school campus. We were delighted that Catrin (Year 12), You-You (Year 4) and Hahnul (Year 8) competed in the highly selective Young Musician of the Gulf. You-You was also given the Knights Bequest Award (presented to the Most Promising Musician 15 years or younger), recognising her talent and potential.

Abu Dhabi Young Musician Competition (ADYM)

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Young Musician competition took place this year with Elise (Year 9) euphonium and Charles (Year 10) drums, winning their instrumental categories and reaching the Grand Final. In addition, Catrin (Year 12) voice, Ollie (Year 12) guitar, and Niko (Year 6) piano all reached the semi-final.

Saadiyat Youth Orchestra (SYO)

4,644 1:1 instrumental lessons

We were excited to become the host school of the Saadiyat Youth Orchestra, an inspiring new initiative offering group music experience to pupils of mixed ability between the ages of 7 and 18 across Abu Dhabi. Led by world-class Musical Director Emil Sein, the SYO met weekly at the Cranleigh campus to develop and refine young musical talent in our community. The project aims to continue into the new school year with new initiatives for Abu Dhabi’s young musicians.