Big Band Brings Festivities to RGS
Our annual Christmas with the Big Band Concert proved as popular as ever when, on the evening of Monday 12 December, Perrins Hall was filled with the sound of jazzy carols, classic Christmas pop songs and the chinking of mulled punch-filled glasses.
An audience of around 200 enjoyed performances by our smaller woodwind ensembles – the Clarinet Choir, Flute Group and Saxophone Ensemble – as well as the debut performance of Junior Jazz, whose eclectic mix of instruments, combined a standard rhythm section with flutes, violins and a bassoon, which closed the first half with a charming arrangement of ‘O Tannenbaum’.
Senior Jazz played three tunes by Horace Silver with some stylish improvisation from the whole ensemble, whilst the Big Band closed the concert with four Christmas favourites. Saffron Crump and Isla Tallon each sang a solo with the band, impressing with their confidence and flair. The audience, who enjoyed mince pies and shortbread in the interval, were truly entertained by all the groups and the musical camaraderie between students from Year Seven up to Year Thirteen.
In a concert with such variety, here are some student highlights:
Grace Read, a saxophone player in the Upper Sixth, commented: “Christmas with the Big Band is always such a fun concert! I enjoy seeing everyone’s smiling faces in the audience. The highlight for me was opening the concert with the Big Band; we played some amazing songs with the Senior Jazz ensemble with my favourite piece of the evening being ‘Let it Snow”.
Lucas Wood, who played drums in the Junior Jazz ensemble, commented: “My highlight of the evening was when l played Chameleon on the drum kit. It’s such a funky track to play”.
Sophie Jackson, who played saxophone in the Big Band and Saxophone Ensemble and also flute in Flute Group, said: “The concert was so enjoyable to play in and the soloists especially were incredible. The atmosphere was so festive, and it really put people in the mood for Christmas”.
Thanks, must also go to all pupils involved, it was a delight to see pupils’ ability shine through and get into the festive spirit as an RGS community. Thank you to everyone who attended the evening!
Mr Jonathan Soman – Director of Music