A huge event in any school music department is its Christmas Concert, and HDS sure know how to do it in style! 

 

Weeks of rehearsals, planning and preparation all came together in this year’s Christmas Concert, which saw over 100 students take to the stage in various bands and ensembles. Students had put in so much time and effort to be ‘stage ready’ and they certainly did not disappoint the sell-out crowd on show night. 

 

Highlights include the award winning ‘New Notes Jazz Band’ who were joined by a handful of HDS alumni who had returned for the night to take up their old spots in the band. Even Mrs White couldn’t resist getting involved and sat in on 2nd alto saxophone! We also had a stunning performance from a group of Year 10 vocalists who had been working on a one-off project with singing teacher, Holly Turton. The massive sound of these five girls filled the gym and was a great introduction to some of the amazing vocal work that would be on display all evening. Speaking of which, the 30 strong Impact Choir wowed audience members with their close vocal harmonies and expressive delivery. Their rendition of Bob Dylan’s ‘Times They Are a Changing’, featuring Kaycee-Ella as soloist, was performed with musical and emotional maturity well beyond a school choir. This is sure to be a great year for the Impact Choir. 

 

The show closed with Band of Fiasco leading the entire 100+ ensemble in a massive rendition of the Christmas classic ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’. Every performer took to stage armed with either their voice, instrument, or some form of ‘shaky’ percussion. It was a fabulous celebration of music making at HDS and a great way of bringing together every young musician for the final festive fanfare of a great term of music making.  

 

Well done to all staff and students involved. We look forward to more music making in the spring term.