The school musicians were very busy in the Autumn Term playing music in a wide variety of Oldham locations.
The Chapel Choir celebrated our 91st Founders Day singing Choral Evensong at Manchester Cathedral. It was great to be back after the renovations had been completed.
Before half-term the over 200 pupils from the Lower School took part in a concert featuring music created by our Year 7 Music classes and our younger musical groups.
On our Remembrance Day The Last Post was played by a number of our trumpet and cornet players for the minute’s silence at 11.00 am. Later in November the Brass Band played during our Speech Night, whilst our singers took part in a Gospel Singing Workshop and Concert at Cardinal Newman School.
December is traditionally the busiest month for our musicians and the Christmas music started with the Brass Band playing at the Oldham Rotary Concert at St James’ Church, Derker. Many of our musicians played and sang at the PTFA Christmas Fair, giving the event more of the Christmas magic. The Brass Ensemble played a variety of carols at Mr Upton’s last assembly, the highlight being singing “While Shepherds Watched” to the tune of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from Mary Poppins!
The ensemble also played at the Oldham Festival of Light in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Thornham St James Primary School’s Christmas Fair. A group of our younger musicians played at Hopwood Court Care Home adding to the festive spirit for some of our elderly neighbours and Crompton House pupils were abundant at the Oldham Borough Christmas Concert.
On Monday 18th December the day was busy with rehearsals for the school Christmas Concert. As the audience entered they were entertained by the Wind Ensemble at the school Christmas Tree. The concert started with a candlelit procession of the choirs with over 100 pupils from Years 7 to 13. The concert continued with a wonderful celebration of Christmas music involving nearly 200 pupils and staff. At the end of the concert the pupils presented retiring Senior Deputy Head Mr Upton with a gift and card for his support of school music over the past twenty-one years. The takings from the concert, together with the £400 collected for Mr Upton’s retirement, have started the fund to replace the hall piano. The fund currently stands at £2,100, a great start to the campaign. Donations can be sent to school via the finance office.
The final day of term started with the Brass Ensemble playing carols as pupils entered the school. The musicians then gathered for their final event of term, accompanying the school communions.
Many thanks to all the musicians who took part in the school music throughout the term and to Mrs Nixon, Miss Warburton, Mr Pymm, and all the staff of the Oldham Music Service who all give so much to the school.
