It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas

Since – in some cases – September, students and teachers of the music department have been busily preparing for the School’s annual winter music presentation: Concert For A Winter’s Eve. The product – an approximately two-hour line-up of performances by solos, small groups, and the music ensembles – has progressed well into the process of full-show rehearsals in preparation for the shows on Thursday, the 8th, and Friday, the 9th of December.  Curtain rises on the Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mr. Tristan Clausen, which begins the programme with two pieces. It is followed by the first solo of the evening: Sarah F singing “If I Were A Bell”. Guitar Ensemble, Men’s Choir, Advanced Rock Band, and String Ensemble also perform in the first act, interspersed with several solo and small group performances. Among these are Liam S and David M singing “Agony”, and Antonio C and Keiran MH performing a violin and guitar duet.  Conforming to tradition, the year’s graduates of the dance programme perform at Concert for A Winter’s Eve – usually the only dance number. This year, the second act opens with their presentation of “Unsteady”. Jazz Band and Women’s Choir follow, among more solos and small group performances, which include a quartet of saxophones, Katherine B, Andrew W, and a duet by Holly CH and Kyle vW. As always, the combined Concert Choir closes the show. “All On A Cold Winter’s Night” and “White Winter Hymnal” are the choral arrangements to anticipate this year.  Differing from previous concerts, the public has been invited to purchase tickets for either show; four boarding houses will also attend on each night.  On behalf of all my fellow music students and performers, I would like to extend an enormous thank you to the dedicated people who have put countless hours and multitudes of energy into the final product of what promises to be a great show.  We appreciate your commitment to giving us a chance to shine!  Now… sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.  Hannah R, Mackenzie ’18