Sing it!

Published on isbi School News dated Wednesday 30th of November 2011

In a unique musical collaboration between Gresham's and five other Prep Schools on Friday 25th November, the sound of music filled the stately Fishmongers' Hall on London Bridge. Up to 132 children who had not previously met each other gathered in the magnificent Banquetting Hall to rehearse as one choir for a one off performance to parents, heads of School, governors and teachers.

'Sing it!' as it was aptly named, brought together children to sing a range of choral pieces under the expert lead of Tom Appleton, Old Greshamian, guest conductor for the National Youth Choir and member of the Monteverdi Choir. Tom led choral workshops throughout the afternoon for children from The Cavendish School (London), Taverham Hall (Norfolk), Westbrooke Hay (Hemel Hempstead), Trevor-Roberts School (London), The Falcons School (London) as well as children from Gresham's. After an afternoon spent rehearsing the children excitedly gathered on stage to await family members to watch them perform.

The evening started with a drinks reception in the Court Dining room for parents and friends whilst the children had the opportunity to put the final touches to their performance.

The Headmaster of Gresham's, Philip John opened the evening by welcoming everyone to Fishmongers' Hall. Under the baton of Tom Appleton the performance included Angels' Carol by John Rutter as well as This little Babe from Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, himself an Old Greshamian. The accompanist for the workshops and concert was Nathan Waring, Director of Music (Prep School ).

The audience was also treated to a performance by Schola Cantorum (Senior School choir) led by Mark Jones (Gresham's Director of Music) whose choir had performed to the Queen earlier in the year as part of the Duke of Edinburghs' birthday celebrations. The evening culminated in a spectacular performance by all choirs of For him all stars have shone by Bob Chilcott.

It was a very enjoyable evening for all those who took part, bringing together children from a variety of different schools to perform in the majestic setting of the Fishmongers' Hall and delight families and friends with their newly learned repertoire.

Gresham's will be running a residential Britten Music Camp again in July 2012 where Tom Appleton will be guest conductor. For further information on this course contact fross@greshams.com or follow the link on the website www.greshams.com/grasshoppercamps.