Our Autumn Concert went virtual this term due to the Covid restrictions, but that didn’t dampen our musicians’ enthusiasm or the audience’s appreciation! Before you enjoy the concert below, read what two of our students had to say about this term’s virtual event.

By Jaya Emery (Year 12)

In the Autumn Concert I participated in the Chamber choir, Chamber orchestra and the senior piano trio.

Playing in the concert this year was a new experience with a very different dynamic from usual as arguably one of the biggest elements of performance was missing – a live audience. Being granted the freedom to record a piece multiple times made the overall experience more relaxing as mistakes could be corrected, however also slightly more tiring! The piece that was the trickiest to record was for the senior piano trio, as it was the most challenging one I played and took the most takes until we were satisfied with our performance.

Everything that I played we had been working on for the whole term so getting a chance to perform these pieces was a rewarding culmination of all our hard work.

Overall, one of the best things about recording the concert was being able to view it online with my family afterwards, and watching not only my own performance, but the whole concert which I normally would not get to see.

By Jasmine De-Rosa Rashid (Year 8)

The Autumn Term online concert 2020 was as unusual as it was enjoyable. Of course, most of the girls in the concert already had a similar experience taking part in last term’s Summer online concert.

I played electric guitar in the year 8 Rock Band, appropriately named ‘Amplified’ as well as introducing and playing Second Violin in the year 8 Quartet. 

Amplified is made up of ​Abigail Schroder (singer), Morven Pearce (drums), Roma Sridharan (drums), Emma Scott (bass guitar), Sophia Noor Jiwan (keyboard), Zoe Down (also on Electric Guitar)  (girls, you owe me one for the mention!). Amplified played Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’ , as our Band Teacher, Mr Edge felt it went well with the theme of Space. The other senior school rock band,  Generation XX played David Bowie’s ‘Star Man ‘. You can see the connection!  Our year 8 Quartet played ‘Dreaming from Scenes from Childhood’ by Eugene Schauman.

The Year 8 Quartet is made up of: Amy Swift (cello), ​Abigail Schroder (viola) and Amelie Coretti (first violinist) and yours truly. It took us two takes for both performances, to ‘perfect’ the recording.   What perhaps is not fully appreciated are the hours of practice, both at school and at home, for that 5 minutes of online play.  It is strange seeing oneself playing on a large television screen, sitting on a sofa eating popcorn, alongside my parents, my brother and Lupo (my dog – he always gets a mention!). Lupo howled, I’m not sure whether it was in appreciation or despair!

Whilst it is less stressful making a recording than playing in front of a live audience, I still miss the sense of nervousness, relief and euphoria that comes with playing live. I hope next term we’ll be back to playing in our main hall.

Finally, a special mention should go to Mrs Sheard, Ms Le Brun and Ms Dunne for all their hard work, support and organisation.

Merry Christmas everyone and stay safe.