Diverse Harmomies
Music
The Spring Concert
The Albanian 2012
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The Spring Concert defied the rainy weather with an enjoyable and varied programme in early May. The String Ensemble opened with an accomplished and contrasting performance of Andante Cantabile, closely followed by the Clarinet Ensemble’s lively rendition of Helen’s Dance and the Two Norwegian Dances. The audience were then encouraged to ‘guess the theme tune’ with The Sinfonietta’s vibrant performance of the Match of the Day theme. After a quickly resolved minor music sheet mishap, the Senior Brass Ensemble entertained with Goldfinger and the humorous Come Landlord and Fill the Flowing Bowl. The Sax Ensemble showcased The Man I Love and the aptly named Sax Classics, which featured some impressive improvisation from various instrumentalists. The Concert Band played the audience into the interval with enthusiasm, with the high energy Take Five and Slipstream under the direction of Mr Phil Craig.
highlight of the evening with their confident performances of Steal Away, Aura Lee and Bushes and Briars. They impressed the audience with their diverse harmonies and tight rhythms, all achieved without the help of a conductor. The Percussion Ensemble ended the evening on a high with the World Premiere of their own piece Heaventh 7even, which was both energetic and varied and within which each performer had the opportunity to come to the forefront of their ensemble and showcase their individual talent. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable music event, skilfully demonstrating the significant and diverse musical talents of St Albans School’s students. Eleanor Rosser-Smyth
‘Mainstream’ Jazz Band was as entertaining as always in their dynamic performances of Now is the Time, Come Rain or Shine and the well-known Caravan – offering opportunities for many musicians to show off their improvisational skills. The Young Wind Band played the inventive Five Chord Trick, whilst the string quartet delivered Mozart’s Presto and Rondo with great accomplishment, despite their unconventional arrangement of two violins and two cellos. The evening incorporated a number of solo performances from members of the Upper Sixth leaving this year, Nick Fleet giving a beautifully lyrical performance of Brahms’ Romance from op. 118, Max Thomas also playing the piano in a rich and assured rendition of Liebesträume by Franz Liszt. Ellie Rosser-Smyth entertained with the lively Donne Vaghe from Paisiello’s opera La Serva Padrona, contrasting with James Mohajer’s haunting performance of Is My Team Ploughing, an arrangement of AE Housman’s poem. The Barbershop – also composed of outgoing Upper Sixth – was enjoyable as ever and a decided
Ellie Rosser-Smyth, one of the Sixth form’s most assured vocalists (above) and scenes from the Hits of the Seventies evening (right)