Symphonic Serenade highlights talent and hard work

May 21, 2019

 

Three fantastic music ensembles took to the stage at Monmouth School for Girls recently, showcasing their talent and hard work over the past year.

The annual Symphonic Serenade concert (also the Monmouth Schools Annual Leavers’ Concert) was held in the main hall in front of a very appreciative audience.

The evening began with Monmouth School for Boys’ Brass Ensemble playing Liberty Bell, Go Down Moses, The Magnificent Seven and Gonna Fly Now. An entertaining jazz set from MOJO then followed, who directed themselves with the help of Joe Smith on piano. They displayed some excellent solo improvisations in pieces such as The Chicken, Dirty Dozen, Lean On Me and Sing, Sing, Sing.

The Chicken was also used for a GCSE Ensemble live recording, a first for this concert!

After a short break to re-set the stage, it was the turn of Symphonic Winds. Under the direction of Sarah Fowler, they made an exciting start to their programme with their arrangement of “Welcome to the Jungle”, first performed in 2015.

This was followed by A Klezmer Karnival, Putting on the Ritz, Eighties flashback and Disney Spectacular. The set finale was a wonderful medley from The Greatest Showman.

Speaking about the event, Sarah Fowler said: “This is always a bittersweet concert, as we say goodbye to so many who have played such a huge part in the musical life of the school.

“All of the musicians had great fun performing on the night and were a fantastic example of the talent here at Monmouth School for boys and Monmouth School for Girls.”