The SHS Spring Concert truly sprang into life on Wednesday evening! A total of thirteen ensembles delighted the audience with a wonderful varied programme, demonstrating the talent of the boys.
The Concert, featuring all of the school’s musical ensembles, drew a full capacity and excited audience, who were treated to a widely mixed and quality evening of musical entertainment. Ensembles just starting out on their musical journey – such as the Junior Wind Band and Middle Choir – were able to display their talent and promise, whilst the more established groups – such as Brass One and the String Orchestra – were really moving through the gears, showing real understanding and technique in their music-making.
Some stand-out performances from the evening included the String Ensemble’s breath-taking performance of Sibelius’ ‘Andante Festivo’, clearly demonstrating that the strings at Shrewsbury House are above and beyond what you would expect at Prep school level. Jazz One got many a foot tapping with Otis Redding’s ‘Sitting on the Dock of the Bay’ and the classic ‘New York, New York’. The SHS Singers, fresh from their performance at the Surrey Schools Concert, brought out a set of the highest quality, even drawing the smallest of standing ovations from the audience. The Concert concluded with all the boys singing a rousing version of Elbow’s ‘One day like this’, completed with full band and strings backing.
The enthusiasm and dedication of the Visiting Music Teachers in running the weekly ensembles, coaching and cajoling the performers to greater heights, came to fruition and blossomed. Under the direction of Mr Gough, Mr Jani, Miss Percy, Mr Rae, Mr Nugent, Miss Barnes and not forgetting Mr Thomas, the boys were given the opportunity to show their enjoyment of music and to share this with the audience. Finally, many congratulations to all the hugely impressive boys!
