Creative Arts

Art at KES

The Art Department is a wonderful vibrant, fun, kind and creative environment in which our students can thrive and flourish. The studio’s open plan design encourages a wide range of flexibility in what we are able to teach. This year saw tables covered in wonderful clay sculpted pumpkins that referenced artist Yayoi Kusama. The First Years learned to master the basics of understanding and using tone and perspective before experimenting with sculpture. Classes worked in wire and plaster using artists’ mannequins as well as creating Cubist music artworks in mixed media. The Second and Third years looked at a huge plethora of artists and techniques from around the world. The GCSE classes have been wonderfully busy creating work around topics such as natural forms and working on impressive scales and in a wide range of materials. The A Level photographers have been extremely impressive this year with assignments ranging from ‘outskirts’ and ‘Brexit - the political landscape’ to portraits depicting mental health. The artists used drypoint and large charcoal drawings for their coursework before the lockdown curtailed their final examination preparatory work. However, we were able to create a book celebrating the work they had done.

After school the department is typically as busy as it is during lesson time with as many as sixty students from across the year groups catching up with work or enjoying the opportunity to be creative outside of formal lessons. Mrs Moxon’s primary school partnership sessions have provided a wonderful opportunity for these younger children to expand their art provision with bespoke projects linking to their curriculum subjects. Miss McGinn’s Character Design Club is always popular with the Lower School and the work they do is always inventive and exciting. Their monoprints, produced in reaction to the wildfire destruction in Australia, were particularly noteworthy. We have really enjoyed having Mrs Sheridan in the department on Tuesdays and Wednesday afternoons taking ceramic classes. Her Foundation Studies lessons have been both fun and extremely creative with the Upper Sixth students loving the process of throwing on the wheel and making bowls, pots and simply beautiful vessels. All the students have benefited from Mrs Sheridan’s expertise and passion. In February, we hosted the third Peter Folkes Prep School competition with entries from nine local prep schools as well as showing a selection of our own students’ work. The Third Year students had a wonderful day out at the Harry Potter Studios. The journey from page to screen involves so many layers of creativity. There are around 211,000 people involved in the UK creative industry, making a record contribution to the economy in 2017, smashing through the £100 billion mark. It was fantastic to see the original artwork and sets that made the films such a global success. The coronavirus pandemic came just as our GCSE and A Level students were finishing their exam preparation and we will look forward to a point in the future when we can gather all their work together to celebrate everything they have produced. Mr Piggott Head of Art

Dance at KES

Despite a rather abrupt and early curtain to our dance year, it still brings me great pleasure to celebrate an impressive set of achievements for our department. We welcomed more talented pupils to our cohort of dancers, and they have excelled in the various clubs, performances and productions on offer. Our Dance Studio continues to be at the heart of our department and pupils have enjoyed rehearsing for productions and taking part in a selection of clubs; including Ballet and General Dance Club. The Dobson Theatre has continued to play host to our talented performers allowing them to flourish in our Dance Gala and, notably, our whole school production of ‘West Side Story’. In November, a 40-strong cast of talented performers from across the school tackled one of history’s most iconic musicals, ‘West Side Story’. Known for its choreographic demands on the dancer, this production proved itself to be an exciting challenge for our cast, but one they took in their stride and performed with personality and passion, to rave reviews. Every single performer threw themselves into this musical with determination and rumbling gusto. It was an absolute pleasure to choreograph and rehearse this enthusiastic group of young performers, and I am still staggered by the transformation of some of these, male in particular, dancers. Each performer should be extremely proud of what they accomplished; they are true professionals. As we twirled through February, it was time for the glitter ball to take residence in the Dobson Theatre once again to shine light on a 50-strong cast of the school’s most diverse dancers in our hotly anticipated Dance Gala. Our largest cast to date wowed audiences with an eclectic mix of styles

including traditional North Indian, ballet, hip hop, contemporary and tap. The evening featured a special reunion of the cast of ‘West Side Story’ who delighted audiences in reprising their performances of ‘Cool’ and ‘America’. The whole evening was a colourful celebration of talent and expression and a powerful reminder of the department’s ethos; anybody with an interest for dance and performance should be encouraged to celebrate their passion, regardless of ability. The dancers worked exceptionally hard behind the scenes to choreograph and rehearse their performances and it was a pleasure to see the students take to the stage with such poise, confidence and professionalism. We are looking forward to starting afresh in September to see dance continue to feature in various aspects of school life. We hope that we will be able to continue our work with partnership schools, offering opportunity to them through our Endeavour programme and various workshops. We hope that performances in assemblies and Services will continue and that even more opportunity for our performers will be available. Bitten by the musical theatre bug, many of our Lower School students successfully auditioned for the Lower School musical production of ‘Annie’ which commenced rehearsals in the spring term. An enthusiastic cast have been working hard to perfect cartwheels and turns for big numbers such as “Hard Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed” and, despite the production being currently postponed, we are all very excited to perform this family favourite when the curtain can once again be lifted.

We are eagerly awaiting the next academic year and the many exciting dance opportunities this will bring us. Perhaps most importantly is the introduction of dance at GCSE from September, marking a huge turning point for this discipline at KES. Our GCSE dance students will learn to choreograph, perform and appreciate dance as an art form through the study of choreographic pieces and set pieces from notable companies and choreographers. This holistic engagement with dance informs students’ development as creative and artistic, and broadens their aesthetic, social and cultural experience. Opportunities to perform at the annual Dance Gala and take part in workshops and clubs will continue to foster the imagination and creativity of our students. Dance has really gathered momentum over the years and we are looking forward to seeing it continue to blossom in the next academic year.

Miss Barnett Head of Dance

Drama at KES

This year the Drama Department was very proud to be able to bring to the Dobson stage the award winning, challenging, heart-felt musical by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim ‘West-Side Story’. The production was a true example of a symbiotic relationship with the close collaboration of the Music, Dance and Drama departments, all working together to bring out the best of performances from KES’s highly talented students. My thanks to Charlotte Forsey (Musical Director), Stacey Barnett (Choreographer), James Consterdine (Stage/Technical Producer), Hayleigh Hawker and Alex McGinn as Stage Managers. It was a joy to direct this production. The play has many difficult and challenging elements, blending the complex music and choreography with the heart wrenching narrative. The multi-faceted themes of love and violence, on the backdrop of immigration and racism issues, underscore the production and make this play very relevant for a contemporary audience. I wanted these issues and themes to be brought out in a palpable and realistic manner, which has led to the cast needing to work on very physically challenging theatrical techniques, which I am pleased to say they accomplished with tenacity and hard work and by really pushing themselves. My aim was to not only entertain the audience, but to move them as they become invested in the lives of the characters on stage, for them to feel the joy of their hopes and dreams but also the acute pain of their fear and loss. Cast members went through a process of characterisation development in order to create and produce realistic performances. Working with such a talented cast and production team has made all this possible and I am grateful for all the hard work that they have put in to bring this production to life.

Credit must be given to Henry Gwilliam and Ellie Dunlop who both performed the lead romantic roles of Tony and Maria with breath-taking elegance and authenticity sweeping the audience into their magical, forbidden romance. Sam Thompson and Arev Melikyan took on the challenging roles of the hot-blooded leaders of the rival gangs (the Jets and Sharks) and they produced volatile tension that sizzled throughout the audience. Daisy Sutton created an elevated and passionate performance as the Puerto Rican siren, Anita, whilst excellent performances from Edmund Bissett and the gang of Jets vacillated between violence and hijinks humour that took the audience on a journey of laughter and tears. The vibrant, energetic performances produced from the whole cast must be congratulated but everyone on and off stage worked tirelessly, and with combined commitment, to enable this production to be unanimously appreciated by the packed out audience. The nightly standing ovations were well-deserved for all involved.

Comments from Musical Director, Miss Forsey:

“When selecting a musical theatre production in a professional setting, one looks to match the vocal requirements of any title with the cast one has. Who can reach those top notes in the soprano or project the powerful solos in the tenor? ‘West Side Story’, however defies all these rules because all parts demand a huge vocal range, all soloists have to communicate multiple impassioned and celebrated numbers that the audience will already know and love. In essence we had to throw caution to the wind and invite ambition to the table. We all knew from the outset that the work we put in would reward us in performance and, frankly, who can dispute that the musical score by Bernstein is anything less than utter genius, making each song bring goose bumps to the arms and tears of emotion to the eyes.

Anyone who saw the production will be in no doubt of its colossal success and professionalism put, in my opinion, firmly at the door of the outstanding cast who worked tirelessly and without complaint as I pushed them harder and harder with the vocal challenge.

What they achieved through a combination of diligent study, mentoring from professional

West End star Rebecca Lafferty and their own musicality was complete command of the score.

They could manipulate, play with and control the phrasing to sing out to the audience as though it was as natural as breathing.” It is with regret that two further productions have had to be postponed this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19. I wish to express my congratulations and recognition of the effort and hard work that had gone into the productions of ‘The Crucible’ and ‘Annie’, which we hope to see brought to stage in the not too distant future.

The Drama Department has been pleased to support the curriculum with live theatre opportunities. A Level students have attended Kneehigh’s zany thought-provoking ‘Ubu’ in Shoreditch and the GCSE students attended ‘The Woman in Black’ at the Nuffield. The Fourth and Fifth Years also saw the spectacular production of ‘Warhorse’ in Wembley and the whole of the Third Year was treated to the award winning musical ‘Come from away’ at the Phoenix Theatre on the West End.

During the time of remote learning, GCSE and pre A Level students have had the exciting experience to work with the world renowned expert in Commedia dell’Arte, Dr Corinna di Niro, who delivered bespoke workshops for KES students live from Australia. This was a fantastic enriching opportunity. The Drama Department launched the inaugural annual drama competition ‘The Eddies’ in May. The event was run remotely with filmed entries being sent in for judging. The high standard of performances once again showcased the fantastic performing talent found at KES.

Winners included:

Best performer of a Shakespeare play: Toby Ellis Best performer in a Musical: Lucy Walker Best performer in a Drama: Marianne Brabazon Best performer in a comedy: Jay Brighton with commendation going to Peggy Tomson Rising star award: Harry Channell Best Family performance: Nell Sarton and family with commendation going to the Sheppard family. Best Duet: Sophie and Joshua Kileff Best Staff performance: Mr Rokison and Ms da Costa with commendation going to Miss Smith and a special mention to Dr Waymark Best overall performer: Jack Costigan Mrs Gilmour Head of Drama

Music at KES

I have loved reflecting on this year’s Creative Arts programme and specifically music. Not least because memories of events we have shared this year have been joyous but, perhaps too, what I remember so fondly is the overriding comradery. We always like to launch our year with a jam-packed programme. Thinking it might be a challenge to top last year’s Children in Need broadcast or the Arts Festival was laughably naive! As soon as ‘West Side Story’ rehearsals began and pupils were spending our Open Evening swapping between rehearsals for London Mozart Players and Bernstein’s masterpiece I knew we were in for a year to remember. Seeing the Arts live, and in the greatest professional settings, is always a must for the talented KES young musicians. At the start of the autumn term, GCSE and A Level classes enjoyed trips to the Royal Opera House, first for Kasper Holten’s visually striking production of ‘Don Giovanni’ with stunning revolving stage, and then Kenneth MacMillan’s powerful telling of ‘Manon’.

In the lead up to showcasing one of the most musically demanding theatrical productions there is, we welcomed the West End cast member of ‘Les Misérables’, Rebecca Lafferty, for a workshop with our leading West Side Story cast members. She focused on communication through song, running a workshop on the intricacies of punctuation in the lyrics, how to use body language, breathing and eye contact to emote meanings. It was a truly inspiring and highly motivational experience! She also gave

time to students for a Q&A session about her performance career and rise to the West End stage. It was fantastic to hear first-hand how our pupils can help themselves and strive for a future in the performing arts. The theme of careers continued with a visit from concert pianist Dr Carrasco, discussing her career and sharing her experiences with our music scholars, captains and GCSE students in a new programme introduced this year. Nurturing the many talented performers and providing them with a space to discuss, think and reflect on their musicianship is extremely close to my heart. Discovering what passions drive you as a musician, and what it is really like to be a successful professional, were discussion points in her talk. It enabled our community of creative scholars and captains to start their year with a fresh new forum. We still had time before half-term to enjoy the first ‘Music While You Lunch’ concert of the year. Diverse and engaging repertoire was enjoyed by teachers and friends alike. Ever wondered what a woodwind and brass orchestra of 130 instrumentalists sounds like? Look no further than the concert that featured musicians from KES and our guest schools playing side by side with the London Mozart Players! A fantastic day of workshops and rehearsals, as well as a Q&A session with our guest professional musicians, all ending with an inspiring concert given by the brilliant combined orchestra. It was a truly memorable day for performers and audience alike and wonderful

“Performing is a vital part to developing as a musician.” Daniel Simojoki

to share the Dobson Theatre stage with visitors from Farleigh, Forres Sandle Manor, Hollybrook, Stroud, Twyford, West Hill Park and Wordsworth Primary who made our day a delight. KES woodwind and brass players performed a stylish Ivor Berlin number with real swing band authenticity - a treat for the audience. Watching our pupils working side by side with professionals made a real impact, and we reflected with pride that this event was truly inspiring for our young performers. Hot on the heels of this wonderful concert was our whole school production but not before we had time to fit in the second ‘Music While You Lunch’ concert!

It is rare that you work so passionately on a show but don’t ever get to see it! As Musical Director of the KES production of ‘West Side Story’ that was my fate, along with the other pit musicians who breathed every note with the cast from behind the set. The musical score, which takes its inspiration from Latin jazz, dance and classical traditions is fiendishly difficult by reputation. I cannot praise highly enough, the quality of musicianship in our performers - they gave masterful performances. Before the term was out, we enjoyed the annual Carol Service at Romsey Abbey. It captured the very essence of good cheer and community celebration. With a combined choir of over 150, the Abbey was filled with joyful singing. The mood was buoyant and, with the rousing congregational carols and a superb Chamber Orchestra, we set the standard for the festive season! After such a busy term filled with all manner of musical delights, the KES Sixth Form rounded it off with a trip to London to see Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’ at The Coliseum.

The annual music competition took place early in the spring term with a host of highly polished performances from across the school community. It was a sheer delight to hear courageous, engaging and captivating performances across a wide range of instruments. The adjudicator mentioned in particular from the Grade V-VII category: Lucy, Adam and Willem who, despite not winning in this category, were utterly captivating and communicative in their delivery. Runner-up was Sophie with her interpretation of Gershwin’s ‘I Got Rhythm’ which demonstrated some invigorating stride piano techniques. The cup was awarded to Nathan for his performance of ‘Oblivion’ by Piazzolla during which he masterfully demonstrated sustaining lyricism and rich quality of tone. The Grade VIII+ category was won by Edward for his performance of Chopin’s Etude No.5 in Gb major. His energy and all-consuming fire during the performance impressed the adjudicator and he narrowly beat Daniel, the runner-up, who gave an equally vivacious performance of the Elgar cello concerto second movement. The adjudicator also commended Eleanor for her moving interpretation of ‘Silent Noon’ by Vaughan Williams and William for his use of interpretive rubato in ‘Doctor Gradus Ad Paranassum’ by Debussy. It seemed a great shame to declare a winner as the evening flew by showcasing exciting talent and dedicated musicians - all worthy of praise and commendation. It was yet again testament to the brilliance and admirable character of the musicians at KES. The audience could not have asked for a more engaging and impressive evening of creative magic. Musical passions turned to a different genre with the annual Battle of the Bands. Fun, fresh and full of energy the standard was extremely high. It was such a treat to see bands compete alongside solo acts. Worthy winners in 404 Not Found showed us how

it’s done, with their polished showstopper. However, there was no disputing it was a hard fought battle with talent level through the roof. Our musicians sparkled again for the Junior Spring Concert, providing the opportunity for the school’s younger musicians to showcase their musical expertise from solo instrumental numbers to Swing Band, Sinfonia and First Year Choir performances. The evening was dynamic in its mix of repertoire. From Rachmaninoff and Mendelssohn to Schwartz and Brahms, the students performed with poise and professionalism and were a joy to watch. It was exciting to see the rising stars of tomorrow. Scholars and captains enjoyed further opportunity in the term to ask some big questions about the value of music and we continued to cherish informal performances through the ‘Music While You Lunch’ platform. Before the term finished there was only one thing left to do - the Senior Spring Concert! It provided another highlight to the KES music calendar as over 90 of the school’s most talented musicians took to the stage. The evening was a platform for our elite soloists, chamber ensembles and of course fantastic Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Moving across the ages, musical performances took us from early Telemann with the Recorder Consort and Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto, performed with the Chamber Orchestra by Sixth Form Music Scholar, Linus, through to repertoire from modern musical theatre and contemporary jazz with the Big Band and Soul Band. It was, as ever, a bitter sweet event celebrating farewell performances from our leavers and giving us cause to cherish what a stunning community of musicians we have.

Miss Forsey Director of Creative Arts and Head of Music

“Sharing music is vital to being a musician as not only can it spread joy to others, it exposes you to other genres of music.” Sophie Wu

Symphony Orchestra

With a seriously big concert playing alongside the London Mozart Players to prepare for, woodwind and brass musicians from Symphony Orchestra began their year with intensive rehearsals! Learning through a shared experience of performance and rehearsal gave our KES performers valuable insight into the life of a professional musician. String players got their teeth into serious repertoire too in working towards the Senior Spring Concert. It was a night at the movies for our audience being treated to ‘Jurassic Park’ by John Williams and the fiendishly fun ‘Hoe Down’ by Copland. Not before we performed in Romsey Abbey for the Carol Service, however, and ensured the opportunity to showcase our fabulously triumphant sound.

Miss Forsey

“A good performance can only happen if there is good preparation.” Rosa Shepherd

Chamber Orchestra

The refined polish of Chamber Orchestra was evident in their stunning performances as part of the Senior Spring Concert. Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony may have given a false impression through its title, as this extremely challenging finale movement was masterfully showcased by the ensemble. Touchingly programmed alongside it, was the theme from Schindler’s List, in which we saw soloists Yuqing, Sophie and Daniel soar above the ensemble timbre with precision and lyricism. The orchestra continued its tradition of working alongside soloists, and performed a movement from Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto with Sixth Form music scholar, Linus.

First Year Choir

It is always a delight to welcome our newest students into their first secondary school choir. This year’s First Year Choir fast became friends, and formed a strong ensemble that tackled a wide range of music. For some members, this was their first opportunity to learn how to sing in harmony, and Tuesday lunchtimes soon filled up with their beautiful singing. The congregation at the KES Carol Service always anticipate the first performance of the First Year Choir with joy, and the choir members felt quite special to have the opportunity to sing in the beautiful Romsey Abbey. They excelled further at the Junior Spring Concert with an exciting, energetic rendition of ‘Macavity the Mystery Cat’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a moving, soulful performance of ‘Remember Me’ from Disney’s Coco.

Ms Hayden

“The process of perfecting a piece, from the first sight-read to the final performance, has taught me about determination and resilience.” Yuqing Chen

Senior Choir

A cappella found a new home in the Senior Choir this year. Members had their chance to shine in the Carol Service at Romsey Abbey but also managed to find time for a quick Thought for the Day assembly performance before the autumn term ended. Working on repertoire that reflects pupils’ passions and tastes has given the group a new lease of life with a vibrant sound! Many members of the choir were part of our ‘West Side Story’ cast and it inspired vocalists auditioning for ‘Annie’. The Senior Choir is the most fun you can have on a Friday!

Miss Forsey

Chamber Choir

Chamber Choir offers our students an invaluable opportunity to expand their repertoire and develop their vocal technique. Our SATB choir performed a beautiful rendition of ‘May the Road Rise to Meet You’, a traditional Gaelic Blessing that resonated with the school community during our annual Remembrance Day service. In December, members enjoyed filling Romsey Abbey with our favourite and familiar congregational carols, alongside their performances of ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Gaudete’, and ‘The Angel’s Carol’. They also had the opportunity to perform a cappella at the Senior Spring Concert, with Arcadelt’s ‘Ave Maria’, followed by a beautiful arrangement of Billy Joel’s ‘Lullaby’.

Ms Hayden

Music While You Lunch

Performing in front of an audience can be an exciting experience whether it is your very first time, or the first time you showcase a well-rehearsed piece. The ‘Music While You Lunch’ concert series provided all of our students with the opportunity to take centre stage in the Recital Room amongst an audience of friends, fellow students and staff. In addition to enjoying the talent of their peers, students were also able to draw inspiration from fellow performers, appreciating the result of their dedication and practice outside of the classroom setting. Swing Band Swing Band have continued to go from strength to strength this year. In September we welcomed many wonderful new players to sit alongside the experienced ‘old timers’ and got to work on rehearsing more challenging and exciting Jazz repertoire. The enthusiasm and musical energy of these amazing young musicians is always matched by their attention to detail in rehearsals, and these qualities certainly came across in an exuberant and charismatic performance at the Junior Spring Concert. The need to postpone several exciting events planned for the summer term – in particular the high-profile Jazz Evening – will only add to the sense of celebration when they are eventually able to go ahead.

Sinfonia

Sinfonia rehearsals have never been so energetic and jam-packed as they were this year. Every Thursday lunchtime, students on their journey towards the higher grades grabbed their instruments and enthusiastically attended rehearsals in the Recital Room. A significant number of new students were taken under the wing of our reliable, seasoned Sinfonia members to form friendships and rise to the brilliant challenge of opening the Junior Spring Concert. The Sinfonia members performed the iconic theme from ‘Chariots of Fire’, Brahm’s ‘Hungarian Dance No.5’, and a thoroughly electrifying medley of Pixar Movie favourites. Our young performers truly were

Ms Hayden

“Each performance will hold a special place in my heart.” James Booth

incredible!

Mr Belassie

Music Scholarship

This year saw the first specially-arranged talks for our music scholars and captains, which were launched by the amazing Dr Samantha Carrasco, professional pianist, lecturer and ABRSM examiner. The lunchtime events, which take place each halfterm, are designed to give our advanced musicians from all year groups the opportunity to get together, listen to performances, explore important works and composers, and discuss issues relating to creativity and the nature of artistic expression. We are also focusing on practical musicianship skills, with several scholars conducting masterclasses planned for after lockdown!

Mr Belassie

“There is a real sense of teamwork playing in the orchestra.” Adam Titcombe

Rock Academy & Battle of the Bands

“The best one yet” and “highlight of the year” are just two of the glowing reports of this year’s Battle of the Bands where the school’s musical talents and Rock Academy bands not only shined this time but positively exploded! Performances, musical execution, cool attire and the overcoming of intense nerves didn’t just happen overnight but with regular practice, band banter, tapping into their inner Rock Star for the photo shoot and the honing of stage craft every Tuesday. Rock Academy continues to be the arena where talents are unlocked and the volume goes to 11!

Mr Kotch