Expressive Arts Summer Showcase

Monday 4 July 2011

On Monday 27 June, the main hall at Deer Park reverberated to a veritable medley of choral, percussion, and ensemble pieces performed by pupils in our Expressive Arts Summer Showcase. Headteacher Chiquita Henson reflected, ‘The evening was rich and varied with performances from individuals and groups of pupils. I was impressed by the range and quality of the programme, our pupils’ evident enjoyment in making music and the confidence they exude.’

The evening was expertly managed by Dan Cook, Music Co-ordinator, who with the assistance of the school’s pupil technicians ensured smooth transitions between performances. Each half of the evening opened dramatically with lively performances by our samba bands and, within the programme, these strong rhythms were contrasted by classical pieces of music performed by the school’s flautists and guitarists. Mr Cook recognised their achievements: ‘I was very impressed by all of the performances and each pupil is a credit to the Music Department and school. An event like this takes a great deal of commitment and rehearsal. It was fantastic to see this come together in what was a great entertaining concert.’

The pupils are rightly proud of their performances too. Holly Gimmler, who performed in a number of groups, acknowledged it was ‘hard work’ and said, ‘I enjoyed watching it as much as everyone involved did!’ Versatile musician Colm Peare, who played in the Jazz and Rock Bands as well as singing in the Choir and performing in the Guitar Group felt the evening went really well: ‘ We are going on Music Tour next week and I think the concert really helped us prepare.’ Megane Hatton, who in her repertoire performed a flute solo and played the melody in the Steel Band concluded, ‘All the hard work put in by the pupils and the teachers paid off because the concert was great and I enjoyed it very much.’

The contemporary pieces arranged by Head of Expressive Arts, Liz Norman, and sung by the Choir had a strong impact and the more experienced performers gave every encouragement to the emerging musicians in our Key Stage 3 Ensemble. Parent, Emma Burgess, congratulated the pupils and staff: ‘Nobody lucky enough to be present could fail to be impressed by the range of musical styles included in the programme, the number of different played with such talent and the wonderful singing by the school choir. This was a splendid evening thoroughly enjoyed by a very appreciative audience.’

During our annual Enrichment Week (4-8 July), many pupils participating in the showcase will be travelling to Barcelona as a part of our annual Music Tour where the Samba and Steel Bands, Choir, Rock Group and Jazz Band will be performing at three different venues. We wish them every success and look forward to hearing how the tour went on their return.

Special thanks go to ‘The Friends of Deer Park’ for the refreshing elderflower and strawberry ‘summer’ beverages, Carol Radway for being ‘front of house’, David Walker and our technicians, and our peripetetic teachers Jackie Mitchell (Flutes), Sandra Dukes (Guitars) and Dave Fishpool (Key Stage 3 Ensemble).

Chiquita Henson
Head

Related Links:

• Expressive Arts Summer Showcase Programme