On Thursday 1st September the Great Hall was transformed for the inaugural Music Showcase Concert.

This concert is new to the stage for 2011 and was definitely a hit for all those who attended, and indeed for those who performed. The night showcased the best of the school’s musical talent with performances from all King’s Music Groups.

Performing groups included the Orchestra, Concert Band, Big band, Chapel Choir, Jazz Band, String Quartet, and the Pipe Band. Highlights of the night included the King’s Voices, hot off their national competition Top 10 placing at the Big Sing, mysterious performance of ‘Jesus Gjor Meg Stille’ and their fun version of Turner’s ‘Tequilla Samba’.

Other highlights included the Jazz Ensembles numbers: ‘Autumn Leaves’ and ‘What is This Thing Called Love?” This group was put together for the showcase, and featured some of the school’s best musical talent including Latafale Auva’a, Ollie O’Loughlin on saxophone and Mr Artley on the Piano.
Another highlight was the loud, fast paced version of Gareth Farr’s ‘Little Sea Gongs,’ a four-part percussion piece performed by the newly formed Percussion Ensemble.

While the aim of the evening was to celebrate the musical talent at King’s and acknowledge the countless hours of practice invested by both students and teachers, the concert was also used to raise funds for various music tours planned for next year. This includes a Chapel Choir trip to the UK, singing at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The floor of the hall was fitted out with decorated tables and the audience also were able to view from the balcony above. A silent auction, selling the services of many of the School’s top groups for parties and the like was also running, with all the proceeds going towards these trips.

Thanks must go to everyone involved with organising the event, and to those who helped on the night, not to forget all of those who supported the event by buying tickets and participating in the auctions. I would lastly like to extend thanks to the musicians who put on a very slick, professional performance and was appreciated by all those who attended.

Lastly, congratulations must go to Mr Paul West and also Mr Chris Artley for their determination in providing the best possible musical experience for King’s students this year and for having the vision for this fantastic concert, which I am sure will continue to be a date not to be missed on the King’s College Calendar.

Henry Wilkinson
(Music School Prefect)