Musing

Whilst the usual round of concerts may have been wiped off the map by a certain unmentionable virus, Exeter School’s array of musicians did not spend the whole autumn term idle.

by ELEANOR CLARK

he department has been

Trunning evening club sessions each day so that every child in the school still has the opportunity to participate, safely, in bubbles and maintaining social distancing. Despite myriad restrictions, Mr Tamblyn’s inimitable team found creative ways to keep instruments and vocal chords in good shape. Bravely rehearsing outside, huddled in coats and hats, come whatever winter deluge may, the school’s musicians put together a virtual Christmas concert broadcast to all year groups in the latter part of term. All the usual groups were resurrected, including a saxophone quartet, a brass group, and a wide range of choirs. Year groups were able to work together without mixing bubbles thanks to the music department’s brilliant technical skills, mixing multiple strands of vocal and instrumental recordings into a single collaborative piece. Although we have all missed the grandeur of Exeter Cathedral or the tranquillity of our own chapel, where the acoustics are admittedly slightly better than the old pool area, the ingenuity shown by all has ensured that Exeter School has had a memorable year of music. Indeed, after so many weeks locked inside our own homes and unable to interact at all, hearing from across the school the sound of voices in harmony together again has, we hope, brought a few moments of brightness, even through the rain.