Regional Festival for Music for Youth 2018
St John's Orchestra
What an amazing experience! St John's orchestra and Sing Up Club took part in the Regional Festival for Music for Youth at Ealing Christian Centre on Wednesday 14th March 2018. The orchestra opened the programme with three pieces, "Super Hero Blues" showcasing some solo improviations, "The Sun is Rising" written and arranged by Max in year 6 and an Abba Medley. The judges praised the orchestra, particularly the rhythm section. They said, "This is a great example of what can be achieved by an ensemble of developing novice musicians." High praise was given to Max for his composition, saying, "It sits comfortably in the 20th Century/minimalist genre. The group built the dynamics sensitively, supporting the writing. Great use of harmonic minor mode, creating a growing sense of unease." Sue McCall (Head of Harrow Music Service) was also at the festival and praised the orchestra for their performance. She particularly liked Max's composition as well.
Fantastic work St John's orchestra! We are so proud of you all!
Sing Up Club
Sing Up Club also performed at the Regional Festival, dazzling everyone with an amazing performance of Hakuna Matata (Jambo Bwano) and "This is Me" from the film, "The Greatest Showman." High praise was given from the judges again for both songs. For Hakuna Matata they said, "The movement adds a suitable energy to this performance. High levels of communication too, through expressivel faces, and a very direct projection of the melodic phrases. Pitching is very good and voices seem well supported. An engaging and effective rendition." For the performance of "This is Me" the judges wrote, "A very strong solo opens this. You adopt an appropriate "pop" choir tone and approach. Free enough for it to sound convincingly like pop music, but still holding together as a choir. You achieve this with good diction and rhythmic unisons. The layered sections are well balanced. Overall a well prepared and stylishly delivered programme."
Well done to all in Sing Up Club. We are so proud of you!