Big Band
It's been another fantastic year for the Big Band, and the year is far from over. The vision of Nicky Bouckley and Tony Godfrey to take a music tour around Austria has directed the Big Band towards learning a far more ambitious repertoire than it has done in the past.Without avoiding the challenges presented by the original versions of many classic numbers from the Big Band era (and perhaps opting for an easier but less authentic school version), the band has continuously improved through the year. In the Commemoration Concert recently, the Big Band arguably stole the show with the upbeat “American Patrol” and “Sing, Sing, Sing”, in the latter of which, Tim Page led fantastically with solos from the drums.
Unfortunately, drawing most of its musicians from the Sixth Form means that a considerable proportion will be leaving after the Austria tour: Tim Page, Mark James, Daniel Chadwick and Andrew Pickering are all leaving the school, leaving some spaces for fresh talent!
The Band continues to rehearse, despite the Upper Sixth members having finished school, and works towards the upcoming Austria preview concert and tour. Many thanks go to Mr. Godfrey for his commitment to running the Big Band, and I hope in the coming years that the band continues to go from strength to strength.
Andy Pickering