Welcome to the latest edition of Purcell’s Weekly Highlights!
Constanta International Competition Festival for Young Pianists
Year 7 pianist Luca has won 2nd Prize in the Constanta International Competition Festival for Young Pianists. Well done, Luca, we are all very proud of you.
National Children’s Orchestra (NC0)
We were delighted to hear that Year 9 clarinetist Marina has been offered a place on the NCO in the National Main Orchestra for 2022. Congratulations, Marina.
National Youth Orchestra (NYO)
In addition to news published in this term’s previous Weekly Highlights, we are pleased to be able to share the news that Year 13 students Catherine (violin) and Connor (viola) are joining the NYO cohort for the first time as part of the 2022 intake. We are delighted for you both.
Jazz at Pump House
A group of Purcell’s Year 12 jazz musicians – Noah (sax), Ted (trumpet), Djordje (piano) and Freddie (drums) – joined a fifth player from Barton Peveril College to perform three sensational numbers at Watford’s Pump House on 30th October 2022. Those in attendance commented on the quality and professionalism of the players, and we are fortunate to be able to share some footage of the performance, courtesy of (and with thanks to!) Mrs G Porter.
Tim Evans-Jones Voice Audition Workshop and Masterclass
Last Thursday, singing professor Tim Evans-Jones from the Royal College of Music came to school to do an audition workshop with the Upper 6th singers followed by a masterclass with all of the Sixth Form singers. With the ‘live’ conservatoire auditions still to come, this gave the auditioning students a real insight into how the whole process will feel. The ensuing masterclass was also highly instructive and the students all responded well to the advanced level coaching they were given. All in all, it was a highly productive and successful occasion.
Avison Marshmallows and Remembrance
On Saturday 6th November, Assistant Houseparent Mr Brookes manned the BBQ for the Avison boarders who enjoyed toasting marshmallows over the burning embers. This gave a much welcome start to celebrating bonfire night, which culminated in the boarders watching the wonderful display of fireworks let off by the Met Police Club during their annual display.
Assistant Houseparent Mrs Cook also spoke to the Avison boarders this week about British Core Values and why we observe Armistice Day. The students all made a poppy for a wall display in the reception area of Avison House, and Mrs Cook displayed her own ceramic poppy from the Tower of London.
