A fabulous Year 8 Soloists' Concert

With the lights low and the stage set, Mrs Fawbert's final soloists’ concert was set to be a good one. Thus, a sublime opening was required, and this was certainly delivered in the form of the Swing band, performing ''Tuxedo Junction'' featuring slick solos from Aidan McF, Freddie L, and Sam C. A tough act to follow, but Charlie H certainly delivered, with a pristine and very musical performance of "Now sleeps the Crimson petal'' by Alexander L'Estrange.

The senior strings then maintained the high standard with a precise yet emotional rendition of Palladio by Karl Jenkins. Harry B, Adam B-J and Charlotte B all thrived under the pressure, which was only amplified by the presence of six Heads of Music from some of the top local senior schools. The Girls’ Vocal Group also contributed, singing an uplifting and heart-warming ballad, featuring some virtuosic solos from Imo D and Millie H, among others.

The percussion ensemble enthralled, as did Millie again, this time transporting us on her violin with ''Humouresque'' by Dvorák. The standard reached new heights, however, with Aidan taking to the stage for the last time, with the Boys' Vocal Group, performing "Feeling Good'' by Billingsley. This was a popular favourite, sending goosebumps down more than one spine!

Before the Chamber Choir's finale, however, we were treated to ''The river flows in you,'' played by Aidan, this time on the piano, as well Freddie, sending the audience into fits, with his accomplished, yet comical performance of ''The Acrobat'' on the trombone .  The Chamber Choir sung for their penultimate time, with a fitting encore of ''I believe I can fly'' as well as a dynamic, groovy rendition of ''One Note Samba.''

The concert really showed off the raw musical talent at Hazlegrove, something that would not have been possible without Mrs Fawbert, who has worked so hard, not just over the weeks leading up to this concert, but over her whole time at Hazlegrove.  When the Chamber Choir hit their last chord, and when Mr Marquiss struck the final note, it wasn't just the end of an incredible concert, but the end of an incredible era, as well. 

Callum McFarlane - Former Pupil

Click here to see the album of photos from the Year 8 Soloists' Concert in Flickr

A comment from a grateful parent...

"From the initial selecting of a suitable instrument to learn, through many, many Friday concerts and finally to the incredible support given during year 8 Mrs Fawbert has consistently gone above and beyond what we could have hoped for, and has developed a love of playing music that will hopefully continue with our children into senior school. The soloists concert was a fantastic evening of accomplished playing and singing, all delivered with the customary Hazlegrove sense of fun and collaboration. The "world's largest chamber choir" and all of the other groups made it a very special and enjoyable occasion."