Hampton’s Music department has run a hugely ambitious and successful programme during the spring term, hosting nine events with over 500 musicians and choristers entertaining appreciative Hammond Theatre audiences at a number of concerts, recitals and masterclasses.
Mr Daniel Roland, Director of Music, praised everyone involved in an exceptional term of music making:
This has been one of the busiest terms I have known for Music, but it has been such an exciting one! From Jazz workshops with a professional quintet and a masterclass with renowned pianists Danny Driver, to a variety of concerts, competitions and trips, it is safe to say that Hampton’s musicians have been very busy. I cannot thank all of our wonderful musicians and my colleagues in the Music Department enough for all that has been achieved. The future is certainly bright for Hampton Music!
The spring term began with a spectacular evening of rock, when musicians from across the year groups took part in the highly-anticipated Rock Concert. From covers of iconic tracks such as Blur’s Parklife and These are the Ways from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, to an original song from the Third Year band Eclipse, the evening showcased the impressive talent of our young musicians.
Hampton School joined forces with LEH to host this year’s Independent/State Schools Partnership (ISSP) Music Day, involving over 130 musicians from seven local schools. The young musicians enjoyed rehearsing in a range of ensembles including Choral, String and Wind, as well as with the combined choir and orchestra. The event concluded with an evening concert for families and friends, which included a rousing rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday, a joyful end to a wonderful day of music making.
Hamptonians enjoyed a Jazz Masterclass from professional musicians this term. Award-winning composer and pianist, Harry Baker OH (2015) returned to Hampton with four colleagues to run a series of improvisation workshops. The musicians split up to focus on the rhythm section, brass and reeds, before coming together at the end of the day for an impressive whole group performance.
The School’s first Keyboard Festival was a resounding success. The week-long event introduced pupils to the harpsichord, piano and organ, and provided tips on being an accompanist and how best to memorise music pieces. The festival culminated in a visit by acclaimed pianist Danny Driver who delivered a masterclass to pupils followed by a public evening recital in the Hammond Theatre.
The term culminated with the Spring Concert, which reflected the theme Planet Earth. The evening was a wonderful celebration of the musical life of the School, which included over 160 musicians and choristers entertaining family and friends on the Hammond Theatre stage. Highlights of the evening included an original composition from Third Year musician Alexander. Winner of the Hampton School Composition Competition, Alexander’s piece Nightfall on Earth was superbly performed by the Chamber Orchestra accompanied by the composer on the piano.
There were two impressive solo performances by our Upper Sixth musicians. Pianist Ishaan Das played an accomplished rendition of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 18 superbly accompanied by the 60-strong Symphony Orchestra, while fellow musician Henry Hughes performed Csárdás by Monti on the tuba with aplomb. The final performance of the concert involved over 100 musicians on the stage, performing John Miles’ Music, complete with two choirs, three soloists, a rock band and the full symphony orchestra!. A fantastic evening of music topping off a phenomenal term for Hampton’s musicians and choristers.
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