Festive spirit was at a maximum level with proceedings starting in the gallery at 17:30 where the Applied Learning Faculty put on a fantastic display of students work alongside festive drinks and nibbles -  all prepared by students. Music scholars played some festive tunes as people admired the beautifully creative work on display. 

The concert kicked off with a fantastically festive performance from Jazz Band. Newly named as the Penzance Youth Jazz Orchestra or PYJO for short, the band was sounding great and including guest musicians from St Ives School, staff and alumni - all coming together to create a tight, full sound. The Miles Davis classic 'Milestones' added a real air of sophistication to the evening, with students taking on some impressive solos. 

Throughout the evening our peripatetic teachers all made fantastic contributions with their ensemble work. Vocal POD and Big Sing groups were brilliant, with some lovely harmony work on display. The wind band made an excellent debut performance, which allowed students at the start of their learning journey to access a concert band performance.

Our ukulele ensemble Sonic Uke played two lovely arrangements. The audience was pin drop silent as the small instruments picked and plucked their way through the songs. A lovely moment. The Musical Theatre group performed a brilliant Nativity Medley, which really got everyone in the festive mood. 

Having been busy all year refining a tricky arrangement of 'Pure Imagination', the hard work put in by our Impact Choir really paid off – wowing the audience with their incredible singing. Another great singing performance came from the all new (yet to be named) boys singing group. They smashed out a rendition of the East 17 classic 'Stay' to rapturous applause. We are excited to see what the group do next. 

The evening ended with the legendary Band of Fiasco followed by a grand finale with all students together. It was difficult to squeeze everyone on two stages!  The evening closed with huge thanks to the everyone involved. Well done all! We can't wait for the next show!