Wembley Music Festival - 25 April 

On Friday 25 April, Clifton Preparatory School took part in a spectacular inter-school performance event that highlighted the outstanding talents of our girls and boys. Hosted by the wonderful team at Wembley School, the evening was a memorable celebration of music, community, and the power of performance. Despite initial nerves, understandable given the size of the audience ,our children quickly found their rhythm, with nerves giving way to excitement and joy.

The performance started with the Grade 6 and 7 marimba bands, who set the stage with their vibrant energy and musical skills. Performing dynamic pieces such as Show Me the Way and Mugarandega, Following the marimba performance, the Senior Primary Clifton Band took their turn on stage. This was a big moment for the boys and girls, as they were exposed to a larger, diverse audience, testing their ability to perform under the spotlight. With Shape of You and Girls Like You, the band demonstrated their versatility, blending modern hits with their unique sound. The crowd responded excitedly, and each act was met with warm applause and genuine appreciation from the audience, who were visibly impressed by the high standard of musicianship and enthusiasm on display.

The Clifton Choir finally took the stage and known for their breath-taking harmonies, delivered a powerful closing set. They began with Singaba Hamba Yo, a stirring song with the themes of unity and hope. Their performance of What About Us was particularly moving, displaying their ability to convey emotion and meaning through song. The choir continued with I Will Shine, an anthem of resilience and positivity that uplifted the audience. Finally, they ended the performance with Makanaka, a joyful, uplifting song that had the crowd on their feet, celebrating the beauty of music and life.

Our children had fun from start to finish. From singing on the bus to sharing jokes with each other, the joy of the day was evident in every moment. Their conduct throughout was exemplary, they showed respect and good manners towards other schools, audience members, and even the hired transport staff. Their behaviour was a true reflection of the values we nurture at Clifton.

A special thank you must go to Mr Fleischack, who kindly joined the event as a chaperone. Far from simply overseeing proceedings, he was actively involved in every aspect, from packing equipment onto the bus to watching the road with the driver and even ensuring that litter from the packed dinners was properly cleaned and recycled. His hands-on approach reinforced the idea that positive habits and learning extend far beyond the classroom.

This unforgettable evening was not just a performance, it was a meaningful opportunity for our students to grow, connect with the broader music community, and experience the joy of showcasing their hard work. We look forward to many more such collaborations in the future.