Written by Dr Foster, Director of Music
Throughout the year we have seen and heard amazing performances in school from our student musicians, as well as a string of successes in grade exams, diplomas and festivals. As we break up for the holidays many of them are preparing for an inspirational range of musical experiences with national ensembles, professional performing projects and masterclasses.
OHS is currently represented in the National Children’s Orchestra by Sophia and Sheena, in the National Youth Concert Band by Lexi and Emilia, in the National Youth Wind Orchestra by Karis, and in NYO Inspires by Emma. Alienor is about to go on a week of masterclasses with French mezzo-soprano Marie-Thérèse Keller, Catherine is going on the Oundle summer school for organists and Clara is taking part in the Wells International Jazz Summer School. Isabella and Thalia are busy recording CDs with the choirs respectively of Merton and Exeter Colleges, and Olivia is going to be on stage in Longborough Opera’s production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. OHS is also strongly represented in Oxfordshire’s county orchestras and ensembles, and many of our musicians are involved in their end-of-term concerts. And there will certainly be more summer musical adventures by our students that we only find out about when they return in September.
Clarinet Masterclass
On 10th June we were privileged to welcome Paul Harris, the clarinettist and teacher of international renown, to deliver a day of masterclasses to our clarinet-playing students. Girls from Year 8 to Year 12 were involved in this, as Paul used his experience and expertise to help them find their musical voice and express themselves through their playing. We heard a wonderful range of solo music for clarinet, from Duke Ellington, Schubert, Malcolm Arnold, Brahms and Weber to some of Paul’s many compositions for the instrument. Paul also spent some time coaching clarinet quartets and bigger groups, before we welcomed parents for a short playthrough at the end of the day. Our clarinet teacher Ms Cockburn deserves particular thanks for all she did to organise a wonderful day of music making.
Summer Bandstand
Monday evening saw the Ada Benson Building gardens transformed into a jazz café, where we were treated to an impressive range of music by several of our school bands. Funkem maximam played big band swing and Latin music by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Carlos Antonio Jobim, and the Clarinet Ensemble gave us their version of the Music Department’s new theme song, Gershwin’s Walking the Dog. Rock and pop bands from Year 7 and Year 10 played original songs as well as covers of classics by The La La’s, Fleetwood Mac and more. Finally the Samba band sent us away with feet tapping to their Batucada rhythms. The catering team looked after us royally with drinks and snacks perfectly fitted to a summer afternoon, as we all enjoyed this wonderful space in our school grounds.
