Uppingham Massed Instrumental Day

Uppingham Massed Instrumental Day:

‘Out of this World!’ was the title of today’s musical extravaganza at Uppingham School.  We were transported to outer space with a final performance by 280 young instrumentalists. Sixteen prep schools gathered together and once again Beeston were given a special mention for travelling the furthest!

The children were led by Uppingham’s talented team of visiting music staff and inspired by the senior school’s Jazz band who really raised the roof of the Memorial Hall.  After a full day of sectional and tutti rehearsals the children performed in a concert including ‘Sprach Zarathustra’ by Richard Strauss, ‘The Planets’ by Holst and ‘The Forge of Vulcan’ by Michael Sweeney. The whole concert finished with ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ by John Williams and I was blown away by the wide variety of abilities being able to come together to create such a breath-taking wall of sound.

Days like these are inspirational and the children return full of ideas, new playing techniques and a zest for massed ensemble playing. A non-musical highlight of course is the selection of treats that they return with from the tuck shop!

As always, the children behaved very well and were a credit to the school. A Special mention must go out to first-timers Isaac M, Albert C, Alex P, Xander C and Raffy L. Well done to all involved in what was a memorable day!