Page 14 - St Andrews Prep Androvian 2019-20

12 | PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC
I will always remember the time we were in orchestra and Sam was conducting but it’s fair to say he wasn’t doing a great job. We were all laughing so much we couldn’t play our instruments.
Jemima, Year 8
All have made an outstanding contribution to the Department
over their years at St Andrew’s. Alice auditioned successfully for the National Children’s Choir and Nelly continued her association with the National Children’s Orchestra.We are all extremely proud of Alice and Nelly’s achievements on the national stage.Without exception our Year 8 scholars have set a great example for others in the school. We wish them success and happiness on their musical, academic and personal journeys beyond St Andrew’s.
House Music was another highlight in a busy year. We were delighted to welcome guest judges Bill and Hilary Jones who did an excellent job of adjudicating a very tough competition. Congratulations to the overall St Andrew’sYoung Musicians of theYear joint winners, Nelly Bathard-Smith and Harry Shouksmith.The House Song winners, Rovers and the Overall Winning House,VCs.
One of the best things about music at St Andrew’s is the day to day life
of the department. Every week in
the Music School we have at least
nine different ensembles and choirs rehearsing, hundreds of individual music lessons taking place, rehearsals for bands, concerts, assemblies, chapel services
and productions alongside classroom music lessons. Maintaining this level of activity during a summer term spent
in lockdown was a challenge. Music is
a social activity and we have all missed the energy and creativity of lessons and rehearsals.This is not to say however that the summer term was devoid
of performing opportunities. All of
our instrumental and singing lessons continued online.Whilst we were sad that our joint Summer Concert (with the College), Pre- Prep Concert, Summer Serenade, Senior Production and ‘Stand Up Face The Music And Dance’ did not take place, I am extremely proud of the music making that thrived through the summer. Pupils contributed to weekly musical playlists, entered a song writing competition and sent in countless videos as part of the St Andrew’s Performance Challenge 2020 to create a stunning online Summer Concert. Even the staff came together to form a virtual choir performing ‘Que Sera Sera’.
We are delighted that our Belgium Music Tour will be going ahead in 2021 and I look forward to another busy, active and social year of music making, concerts and performances.
Rob Cousins, Director of Music and Co-Curricular