Bromsgrove School’s combined Prep and Senior Choir recently competed at the Cheltenham Festival for Performing Arts in the School Choir U19 category, winning the E L Ward Challenge Cup.
The adjudicator, Ula Weber, thought their performance of the Lacrymosa from Mozart’s Requiem was really moving and said that their “understanding of the text really came through”. The second song they sang was the Spiritual song Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel arranged by Richard Allain. Ula Weber thought that “they had really tight rhythms, a very secure ensemble and a good blend throughout”.
James McKelvey, conductor and Director of Music, said: “I am absolutely blown away with the quality of this choir’s singing. They have worked in rehearsal to a very high standard and had an incredible few months singing at Hereford and Coventry Cathedrals, enjoying a win at the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition in March, and now this. The fun doesn’t stop there, with a planned tour to Austria in the Autumn. But it’s a team effort, and I must thank my colleagues for their support in shaping these young voices from an early age.”
Bromsgrove Prep School Junior Orchestra also took part in the Festival. The seventy-three strong orchestra consisted of pupils from Years 3-6 and filled the entire stage of the Town Hall. The pupils performed beautifully and the adjudicator praised their ability to watch the conductor and listen well to their fellow players. She had particular compliments for the pianist and the woodwind soloists. The Orchestra returned to School having been awarded the magnificent Girl Guide trophy.
Jessica Russell, Music teacher at the Prep School said “the Junior Orchestra has grown exponentially in both size and skill in the past year. The success of the two school instrumental schemes is easily seen, as the rows of viola players and clarinettists are wholly products of our school based initiatives. Attendance every week has paid off with a remarkable performance. The pupils’ dedication and ability is inspirational.”