On Tuesday 4th April the students of Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools collaborated to perform a spectacular evening of music.
There were performances from the Newminster and Chantry steel pan, jazz, ceilidh, samba, guitar and brass ensembles and a guest performance by the KEVI Community Jazz Band.
The concert started with the ceilidh band who performed an amazing repertoire of traditional tunes followed by Newminster steel pan bands, playing modern music arranged by their tutor, Jenny Gilberg. After that the jazz band played a selection of pieces including Mama Mia and the theme from Strictly! The enormous guitar ensemble followed playing two popular pieces.The brass ensemble played ‘Strollin’, what a sound for a small ensemble! Before the interval there were more steel pan ensembles.
After the interval, the concert resumed strongly with the Samba band of 60 players! More Chantry steel pan acts took to the stage with energetic performances. Penultimately the KEVI community jazz band played a selection of well known jazz pieces including the uplifting ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’. There were wonderful vocal talents displayed by the vocalist, Izzie Jeffrey when she sang ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Misty’.
The night culminated in the joint Three Rivers Jazz Band performance of Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’. What a spectacular ending to a superb night of music showcasing the musical talent we have here in Morpeth!
“I am so proud of the pupils in these schools and their exceptional performances in the Ensemble Evening Concert. Thank you so much to all the instrumental teachers, ensemble leaders, staff, PTA and parents for tuition and support.” – Charlotte Jones, Curriculum Leader of Creative Arts.
“It was amazing to see the students from across all three schools in our Learning Trust showcase their wonderful musical talents on stage. It was lovely to see them all smiling and enjoying having the opportunity to play together and I am sure that the event may inspire the audience to begin to learn a musical instrument.” – Steven Johnson, Head of School at Chantry
A member of the Facebook group, Morpeth Matters said, “Just spent a really cracking evening at Chantry School, enjoying a music ensemble evening… It is brilliant to see such home-grown talent and to remember how lucky we are to have these opportunities for the
Review written by Danny O’Shea, Hannah Bishop, Euan Eaton and Alice Heaton from Year 7 at Newminster Middle School
