On Monday 15th December, we saw the much anticipated Christmas Recital take place in the Auditorium. With an eclectic programme including pieces from the classical period, through jazz and right up to some soul/funk Christmas classics, the students really excelled themselves in their performance.
The evening got underway with a raucous drum ensemble which really got the adrenalin flowing in the auditorium. This was followed by Jake Lawless of Year 8 playing the Hammerstein and Rogers classic,’My Favourite Thingsā. Next on the bill was a beautiful guitar duet ‘Cueca’- a traditional Bolivian piece, played by Thomas Ly and Todd Godderidge (Year 11).
The evening continued with three solo performances from Darlene Benner (Year 11), Tila Lawton (Year 9) and Ulysses Prieto (Year 8) on the violin, piano and clarinet respectively. Ben Jones in Year 11, performed his own composition of ‘Foreign Correspondentā and gave the hall a smashing example of the quality and originality of composition from our GCSE Music group. He was followed by David Ivanovas (Year 11) who performed his Grade 4 solo piano piece to an exceptional standard.
It was left to Tate Apcher (Year 8) to finish the soloist section with pieces by Scarlatti and Gretchaninov, which he did with great aplomb. The concert then moved on to the Heartlands Guitar ensemble which played three pieces, finishing with Whitworth’s sweetly Latin-flavoured ‘Across the Andes’. Our first taste of Christmas came with the Heartland Ukulele experience and their captivating medley of ‘Walking in the Air’ and ‘last Christmas’. This continued with the Heartlands Choral Society treating us to Leontovych’s ‘Chorus of the Bells’.
The job of closing the show went to the Heartlands ‘Funk’tion band. They performed festively wrapped’ jazz/funk arrangements of Donnie Hathaway’s ‘Last Christmas’ and the Jackson Five’s ‘Rockinā Robin’ to a visibly moved audience.
The event was well-attended by parents and pupils alike. The rousing reception the performers received was a fantastic show of appreciation to our talented musicians here at Heartlands. With Ā culinary spice being added to the evening, courtesy of the Baking club and the PTA, the audience were exceptionally āwined and dinedā throughout the show.
Mr Rowe, Mr Barrow and Mr Lloyd would collectively like to thank all staff, pupils and parents who attended and congratulate all the performers on what was a very special evening.
Jay Rowe
Music Department
To view all the photos please click here
