The Music School looked strangely dark on the afternoon of 8th October – mysterious things were afoot!  The Year 9 Music curriculum afternoon had students studying how the music for The Pirates of the Caribbean was constructed, and how Hans Zimmer, the composer, made sure the music fitted the storyline. Students were soon on the high seas, playing along with the rollicking melody!  Later, they had a chance to be in the silent era, pretending to be a pit band for a black and white film excerpt. With a bit of practice, they were able to add to the surprise of ladies disappearing from swings.

Meanwhile, up in the chapel, the other half of the group enjoyed a workshop by Rob Navratil on African drums, learning improvisation and solo skills on the skins. The year 9 sets were determined to be in time and confident ready for the final performance.

At the end of the day, we all enjoyed a short concert of two outstanding drum pieces, rounded off with the elite musicians performing a rousing version of Pirates of the Caribbean.  A big thanks to shipmates Mr Fisher, Mr Briggs, Miss Tamworth and Mr Stubberfield for hoisting the mainsail and keeping the crew in order!

On Sunday, 11th October the School Choir joined forces with other local schools to sing at the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Halls. This was part of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival, marking one hundred years of the “Royal” title. The Choir (pictured here at the rehearsal earlier in the week) sang three items – Zadok the Priest, Adiemus and Ave Verum by Mozart.  The pieces were conducted by Joseph Cullen of the London Symphony Chorus and accompanied by the London Sinofnietta.  Our students sang with great enthusiasm and were warmly thanked by both their conductor and the mayor.