This week started on a multitude of perfectly pitched high notes and melodic sounds, as our major individual music competition came to a thrilling crescendo following weeks of auditions. On Monday, our visiting adjudicator, Nadia Hinson, oversaw musicianship of stunning quality and variety across Year Groups and disciplines. From the semi-final we narrowed down to the winners of each category, and they in turn fought it out for the prestigious title of BCS Young Musician of 2022.
A bit like The Apprentice, I suppose; but altogether more civilised and less confrontational than Lord Sugar’s TV show, which also came down to the wire this week! And the Young Musician of the Year was cellist, Elaine who has been playing since she started walking and talking, who practises for two hours a day, and who radiated confidence while treating us to Prelude from Suite 1 by Bach.
Elaine tells me that her favourite piece to play is Brahms’ Sonata No.1, Op. 38 and reveals that the choice of the cello was really a case of love at first sight. “When we were at the store to choose an instrument,” she says, “I ran straight over to the cello and felt a connection with it. I love it because it has a range of bass notes that I can play.” Your Headmaster is not old enough to remember live the iconic virtuoso performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto by the late Jacqueline du Pré, but the video recording makes the hairs stand up on the back of his neck.
That passion and technical mastery is something for Elaine to aim for in the future. Meanwhile, she has every right to be proud of herself, coming out top in such a remarkably talented field. Well done to every child who took part. A special thanks to Miss Akehurst, Mrs Creaton and Mr Elliot for their support of this event in Mr Nicklin’s absence.
The BCS sports department arranged a special visit from England Commonwealth gold medalist netballer, Beth Cobden, whose Q and A session for the girls was inspiring. This was a great event, from which the children picked up tips which will support them in the future.
On the swimming front, I thoroughly enjoyed watching all our children participating in such a sporting manner. House Galas really do reinforce house loyalty and bring out universal competitive spirit. Well done all.
On Thursday, Year 1 celebrated their annual Mothers’ Day Service in a poignant service which brought tears to many a mummy’s eye. The occasion gave us an opportunity to thank Mrs Andrews, our retiring Head of Pre-Prep, for her extra motherly care and guidance over the last 25 years.
Have a wonderful weekend, and please do keep an eye on the calendar for a busy final week of term. There is a lot going on next week, and so that we can capture everything for you, the next edition of Update will come out on Monday 4th April.
