A brilliant weekend of music making

Wardle Academy Musical Evening

The end of March saw Wardle Academy host both a Musical Evening and the Music for Youth Regional Festival. It was the first time a musical event had taken place in the new school building and it was an exciting event for all pupils, staff and guests.

On Friday 28 March, Wardle Academy hosted its inaugural Musical Evening, all nine of the school’s musical groups performed for a packed audience.

The Intermediate Band, conducted by Lee Rigg, performed a range of music including Olympic Fanfare by Rieks van der Velde. The Youth Band performed five pieces, including A Colwell Suite by Philip Harper, the test piece for the Nationals, and Junior Blast performed Keith Strachan’s Snake Rattle and Roll and three other pieces, both bands were also conducted by Lee Rigg.

The Training Band, conducted by Gwen Smith, performed Top Notch by Jock McKenzie, amongst others and the Wind Band, conducted by Jane Conway, performed four pieces of music, including William Himes’ Creed. Jane Conway also conducted the Show band who played three pieces, including John Berry’s arrangement of Michael Jackson’s Bad.

Gwen Smith also conducted the Junior Band who dressed for the part and played a Grease selection. Cliff Woodworth directed the Folk Group’s three pieces and Jocelyn Lavin lead the Choir who sang three songs, including Wonderwall by Oasis.

Mrs Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts, said, ‘It was our first concert in the new school. Everything went smoothly and it was a fabulous evening."

After a brilliant Musical Evening, Wardle Academy hosted the Music for Youth Regional Festival on Saturday 29 March. Music for Youth is a national music education charity providing free access to performance and audience opportunities for young musicians across the UK through its annual season of festivals and concerts. They also organise many workshops, master classes and collaborations throughout the year.

Wardle Academy entered the Youth Band, Junior Band, Wind Band, Choir and Folk Group into the Festival. The Youth Band performed three pieces, including Prismatic Light by Alan Fernie.

Musical Mentor Keith Hewson said: “This has all the ingredients – rhythmic vitality and energy.”

The band were told to ‘maintain this fabulous standard’.

The Junior Band performed a Grease selection for the festival and they were praised by Musical Mentor, Jane Sebba, who said: “You incorporate acting, singing and dancing into the playing, and all are excellent.’ She added, ‘You capture perfectly the style of music.’ The Wind Band performed four pieces, including a flute feature: Flutopia. Musical Mentor, Keith Hewson, said, ‘Best pp (pianissimo) to ff (fortissimo) of the day!”

The groups were also joined by the Choir and Folk Group. The Choir, who sang a variety of pieces, were told by the Musical Mentors that they had ‘fabulous arrangements’ and they had ‘A lovely solo sung with passion and bravery.’ The Folk Group were told they had ‘beautiful solo voices.’

Mrs Gwen Smith said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who was involved with Music for Youth on Saturday. It was great success with lots of good comments regarding how well the festival was run. This could not have happened without the help from staff, parents and students who gave their time to help things run smoothly.”

Mrs Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts, said: “It was a pleasure to see so many varied musical groups from different areas. We hope they enjoyed our hospitality; we enjoyed all the performances.”

And, with regard to the weekend as a whole: “What a brilliant weekend of music making.”