Page 141 - Herioter 2020

FLASHBACK:
Junior School

Usher Hall
Concert 2019

Young musicians

provide a night of
uplifting entertainment

Almost the last big Junior School event of
the year, the Usher Hall Concert is always
hugely popular. It’s a chance to show the
wealth of extra-curricular music-making, favourite, The Final Countdown, by Joey Next, The Junior Brass Ensemble
the confidence and team spirit of the Tempest from Swedish rock band, Europe. performed Mike Bennett’s lively piece
children, and the passion for live music- Both pieces were enjoyed hugely and Heriot’s Calypso. With even more young
making that embodies George Heriot’s performed with aplomb! beginner trombonists on new ‘P-Bone’
School. Perhaps pursuing the influence of their instruments of every colour, the stage
Once again, we opened with Junior School conductor’s favourite Strictly Come was lit up with a glorious, technicolour
Pipe Band in fine form. The impressive Dancing passion(!), Junior Flute Ensemble, vision as well as with the stirring brass-
Drum Fanfare was followed by some led by Gwen Kelso, gave us a very elegant playing.
beloved Scottish favourites: Highland Paso Doble Parody for Flutes by Mike The P3 group, led by Mrs Rebecca Weir,
Cathedral, Marie’s Wedding, finishing with Walton. Definitely a ‘10’ from us all! gave a flavour of what was to come
Pipe Major Willie Ross’ Farewell. They followed this with John Denver’s in session 2019-20, with a medley
P6/7 Boys’ Choir, directed by Mr Graham beautiful and evocative Annie’s Song, of favourites from Mary Poppins. The
Maclagan, always provide inspiring and which allowed the more advanced players Sherman brothers, Richard and Robert,
charismatic performances. The uplifting to expertly carry the main melody against expertly crafted these wonderful songs
song Go the Distance by celebrated the lovely harmonies from the ensemble. for the Disney film of 1964, bringing P.
Disney-composer Alan Menken was P4/5 Choir, led by Mrs Buttars, L. Travers’ famous book to music-loving
written for the film Hercules. It certainly performed two classic 1980s songs from audiences the world over. These have
did inspire! They followed this with It either side of ‘the pond’. long been favourite songs of young
Don’t Mean a Thing by Duke Ellington, Let the River Run was Carly Simon’s children, and it was lovely that P3 had a
bringing style and lively rhythms to the rousing song written for the sweeping chance to show their charming singing of
Usher Hall. We love it when the children panoramic opening titles of the film the beloved classics: Chim Chim Cher-ee
discover and then are transfixed by the Working Girl. With its layered harmonies - Feed the Birds - A Spoonful of Sugar.
old standards. and commanding vocals, this was
Under the direction of Mrs Judith Buttars, definitely a hit for the choir too! Radio Including songs always popular with
audiences of any age, next we heard a fun
Junior Strings continue to be a passionate Ga Ga, by Roger Taylor of Queen, is a and energetic ABBA Medley from P6/7
group of young musicians. Their pieces timeless rock classic and great fun. The
this year had hugely contrasting styles, choir (and teachers in the accompanying Girls’ Choir, led by Mrs Buttars. Super
Trouper – Mamma Mia – Dancing Queen,
both performed with enthusiasm and band!) relished the chance to perform by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus,
vigour. They played the Andante & with arms raised aloft in that famous were hugely enjoyed by choir and families
Moderato from Music for the Royal Queen pose, eliciting a big cheer from the alike.
Fireworks by George Frideric Handel audience who clearly also wanted in on
and finished with a new Junior School the action! Junior School Wind Ensemble, led by Mr

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