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Spring Concert

 

The Spring Concert was an excellent way to conclude the year, in terms of showcasing Wellington’s musical talent. Many acts were performed, ranging from duets to whole Band, Orchestra and Choir performances.

The Spring Concert was opened by the Wellington College Concert Band and Orchestra, playing ‘Dambusters’ by Eric Coates and ‘Harry Potter’ by John Williams. Mrs McCloskey conducted these two performances.

Next up was the String Trio playing ‘Giga’ from Trio Sonata in D minor by Vivaldi. The String Trio consists of Emma Payne who plays the violin (year 14), Emma Martelli who also plays the violin (year 12) and Bradley Long who plays the cello (year 11). They were directed by Miss Ferguson, the cello tutor.

Third to perform was the Year 12 Vocal Group; Lauren Callendar, Rachelle Montgomery and Emma Martelli singing ‘The Rose’ by Bette Midler. Lucy Armstrong accompanied the group on the piano. This vocal group also competed in the Holywood Music Festival with this piece but unfortunately they did not get place.

Then the Junior Brass group played two pieces; ‘Trumpet Tune’ by Purcell and ‘Down By the Riverside’ by Nick Breeze, with Jenny Ingram playing the solo on trumpet. The group contains Jonny Wilson, Jenny Ingram, Daniel Buckley, Clayton Taylor and Nathan Wafflart. The director of the Junior Brass Group is Miss Kelly, and the Conductor is Mrs McCloskey.

The next piece was a duet sung by Rebecca Nannery and Christina Patterson (year 14) called ‘Flower Duet’ from Lakme by Delibes. Mrs Hodgins accompanied them on the piano.

Next was the Flute Ensemble playing the classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’. There are six players in the Flute Ensemble; Mrs McCloskey, Lauren Montgomery (year 14), Lydia Mayes (year 10) Kathryn Johnston (year 8), Hannah Cordner (year 10) and Emma Murdock (year 10). Mrs Hodgins accompanied the ensemble on the piano and Lauren Montgomery directed them.

The first performance from the Junior Choir took place next, singing ‘Hey Soul Sister’ by Train. The junior choir was accompanied by Michael Culbert who played the Djembe, Michael Suttakorn who played the ukulele and Ben Flavelle – Cobain who played the tambourine and Mrs Hodgins conducted. Then, the Junior and Senior Choirs joined to sing ‘Greatest Day’ by Take That with Mrs Hodgins conducting again.

The first half of the spring concert was brought to a close by the Concert Band, playing ‘Phantom of the Opera’ by Lloyd Webber, being conducted by Mrs McCloskey.

After the 20 minute interval, the first performance was by the Year 8 Choir singing ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ by Randy Newman. The Year 8 Choir were accompanied by the Concert Band and conducted by Mrs McCloskey. Soloists were Sian Armstrong, Sarah Fisher, Hannah Witherspoon and Samara Watson.

Next it was a performance of ‘Your Song’ by Elton John, sung by the Boy’s Choir. It was accompanied by Mrs Hodgins on the piano, Ben Flavelle – Cobain on drums and Luke Lowry on guitar.

Then the Clarinet Ensemble played ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ by Hans Zimmer. The Clarinet Ensemble has 8 players; Beverly Hill, David Montgomery, Christopher Chambers, Aaron Wafflart, Christopher Marshall, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Shannon O’Brian and Eden Smyth. The Clarinet Group were conducted by Mrs McCloskey and directed by Beverly Hill and Mr Masterson. Stephen Sykes, Hannah Nelson and Lucy Armstrong accompanied the group on percussion.

Next the Brass Group performed ‘Bugler’s Holiday’ by Leroy Anderson. The Brass Group has 8 players; Michael Johnston, Rachel Young, Janet Duignan, Lucy Armstrong, Peter Spiers, Matthew Mellon, Nathan Wafflart and Calum Hutchinson. The brass group also played this piece at a festival at Ballymena festival and gained first place.

After the Brass Group was the year 14 Gospel Choir, accompanied by Mrs Hodgins on the piano. The 6 upper sixths pupils in the Gospel Choir are Lauren Montgomery, Beverly Hill, Christina Patterson, Amy Johnston-Wood, Rebecca Nannery and Matthew Mellon. They sang a gospel medley of ‘Down by the riverside’.

Next was a solo from Michael Johnston in year 14 on the trumpet. He played ‘There you’ll be’ by Diane Warren.

The Senior Choir performed next, singing ‘Total Eclipse’ by Bonnie Tyler (solos by Jordanne Bowers and Matthew Mellon) and ‘Somebody to Love’ by Queen and Mrs Hodgins conducted.

The Concert Band brought the spring concert to a close for another year, playing themes from ‘Les Miserable’. The Junior and Senior Choirs joined to sing ‘Do you hear the people sing?’ and were conducted by Mrs McCloskey. All performers worked really hard practicing before the Spring Concert and it was obvious that this year was a brilliant one! So much time and effort was put in from all aspects – the light and sound crew, backstage crew and of course the teachers who organised the night. It was an excellent night of musical talent and I’m sure next year’s spring concert will be just as good, if not better!

Lucy Armstrong and Hannah Nelson