College Autumn Music Concert 2009
Posted on Saturday 21 November 2009
Chamber Orchestra and Big Band thrill audiences
New Concertante Ensemble and Big Band thrill audience
Click here for more photographs of concert
Students of The Sixth Form College Farnborough delighted a packed audience, including members of the Farnborough Music Society, in the College’s Prospect Theatre with a lively and varied programme, demonstrating real musicianship and maturity.
The evening began with charming renditions of classical favourites by J.S Bach and Mendelssohn, performed magnificently by the New Concertante Ensemble, the College’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of College Music Tutor Harry White. These were interspersed with confident and convincing solos by Music Scholars Colin Li (piano), 17 of Camberley, Eleanor Beere (piano), 17 of Farnham, and William Etheridge (horn), 18 of Old Basing, who was accompanied magnificently on the piano by Rachel Mills, 16 of Heckfield.
The first half concluded with a stunning interpretation by NCE of Astor Piazzolla’s ‘Le Grand Tango’, arranged specially for College students by the renowned musician Simon Whiteside, whose most recent projects include orchestrating the musical score for the film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
The second half saw a selection of toe-tapping favourites performed with style and verve by the College’s Big Band and Sixth Sense Jazz ensemble, under the expert direction of Music Curriculum Manager, Ben Dowsett. Old favourites such as Feeling Good were juxtaposed against new interpretations, including a marvellous arrangement of Autumn Leaves by student Ralph Wyld, 17 of Fleet. Special mention should also go to soloists Matthew Doyle (saxophone), 17 of Fleet, Jamie Barton (trombone), 18 of Frimley, Rod Oughton (drums), 17 of Camberley, Ralph Wyld (vibraphone) and vocalists Katy Ovens, 18 of Send and Jessica Mabin, 16 of Fleet, for their outstanding contributions.
Once again, the Sixth Form College students left audience members in awe after an evening of wonderful music making. After only 10 short weeks of term and with over sixty students performing to such a high standard, the event was a great testament to both their talent and dedication.
