Brentwood School Music on Tour

After 18 months of making music virtually, in bubbles and without the gratification of full audiences, Brentwood School’s Music Department was eager to complete a summer tour in August of this year. 

With international travel obviously out of the question, the department decided to run its traditional biannual European tour in the beautiful surroundings of Yorkshire, ably planned and supported by their long term tour planners, One Stage Ltd.

Starved of live music making for so long, 66 pupils and 8 members of the Music Department staff met for two full days of rehearsals at Brentwood School on the 20th August, primarily preparing the School’s Chamber Choir for a special service of Evensong, and the School’s Big Band and string section for two outdoor concerts. The sheer joy of playing and singing together was palpable and the results exceptional.

On Sunday the 22nd, the musicians departed (via double decker coach) to reach the beautiful city of York, and following an idyllic lunch in the backdrop of York Minster, headed straight to the sublime setting of Rowntree Park for their first Big Band performance. The concert was a roaring success, complete with a large and enthusiastic audience, a standing ovation and beautifully sunny weather (which was certainly a welcome surprise!). The Big Band featured a number of debut vocal soloists as well as the traditional student-led boys’ barbershop and girls’ choir features -  the subsequent multiple choruses of a variety of pop songs on the coach, paid testament to some very happy children (and staff).

Monday, allowed time for a memorable morning exploring Scarborough which also gave the braver (more foolish) students and staff the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the North Sea. Filled with fresh fish & chips, ice cream and candy-floss, the musicians then transferred to Ripon where rehearsals began for an eagerly anticipated service of Evensong. A rich musical programme, including Hadley’s mighty ‘My Beloved Spake’ (originally composed to be sung in Ripon Cathedral), was expertly performed by the students, whose concentration, commitment and poise was tangible throughout - it was indeed a very special and moving service, which was gratefully received by the large congregation within the Cathedral.

The final day began with a short visit to the Minster, where the students once again performed; amazed by the acoustics of this wondrous building. Following a light lunch the merry band of young musicians were transferred to Harrogate for the final Big Band performance of the tour and, for departing Upper Sixth students, the finale of their musical careers as students at Brentwood School. The evening did not disappoint and the setting of the Valley Gardens bandstand was truly exceptional. Once again the Big Band was treated to a huge audience, a standing ovation and a seemingly never-ending call for encores, which delighted all members of the band, who eagerly delivered. A final meal of celebration followed, including many student awards, comedy sketches and a true sense of camaraderie between all musicians from ages 11 - 18.

The tour will live long in the memory of all students, staff and the many members of the School community who were able to join the musicians during their time in Yorkshire. The tour was the perfect tonic to the soul, following 18 months of reduced musical opportunities.