News/Events

Jesus Christ Superstar: Senior Musical Production 2024

Back in September when auditions were announced for Jesus Christ Superstar, February seemed such a long time away; five months on and now we're here - show week!

A show is only successful when all those involved come together as one company - one team - and this has certainly been the case here.  It has been the most amazing five months and the performers, musicians and technical crew have all come together, working to the best of our ability, to deliver the show we committed to as a team back in September. 

At times it has been intense, exhausting and a little stressful: evenings, weekends and even school holidays have been spent together at school rehearsing - requiring us to manage our time and commitments. 

This week, all of our hard work has been realised. Our preview night was amazing, especially as Sir Tim Rice, the show’s lyricist, was in the audience. He was generous with his time, addressing the audience and taking time to chat to the cast after the show. The feedback we have had from him - and many other audience members (including standing ovations!) - has been so positive, it really makes all the hours of rehearsal worthwhile. 

For many this will be our last show at Borlase and the memories of this week will stay with us forever: a true highlight of our time at Borlase.

Carol Services - December 2023

Whilst the end of term can sometimes herald a slow down of activities, this is not the case in Borlase and certainly not in the Music Department! As ever, the Autumn Term at Borlase ended with the much-loved and much-anticipated traditional annual Carol Services.  These include the Family and Alumni Carol Services and, as the student body has increased in size over the past few years, a further three school services on the final day of term. In total we now undertake five services (this year over just three days!) and my sincere thanks and congratulations to all the students and staff involved for their energy, enthusiasm and resilience in what has been a very busy and successful week!

The services demonstrated the outstanding level of the students' musical abilities, with excellent performances from all groups, performing a wide range of Christmas repertoire. Traditional favourites included Chapel Choir's beautiful rendition of John Rutter's Christmas Lullaby and Cantorum's lyrical performance of Bob Chilcott's arrangement of Away in a Manger. The younger choirs contribution to the service was, as ever, much appreciated and very well received, with Forte e Fiero and Youth Voices giving performances of Spanish Carols (El Burrito Sabanero and Riu Riu Chiu respectively) and Cambiata brought smiles to the faces of the congregation with their energetic Deo Gracias.

The Carol Services provide a wonderful opportunity to introduce new carols to the students and congregation, and this year's services included performances of new works by two current female composers, In the Stillness by Sally Beamish and Now May We Singen by Cecilia McDowell. Both were performed with style and musicality by Cantorum. The services also show our student leaders at their very best, and I must congratulate Pia Andrew, leader of Chapel Choir, and Lauren Bull and Ruby Sharma, leaders of Gospel Choir, for the lovely performances from both groups - the latter providing the congregation with joyful and engaging performances of gospel classics, Ancient of Days and High and Lifted Up. 

A Borlase Carol Service would not be what it is without a performance from the congregation-favourite, Madriguys, and their powerful rendition of Good News did not disappoint. Along with the congregational carols including Once in Royal David's City and Hark the Herald Angels Sing (expertly accompanied by Mr Robson on the organ and the student Brass Ensemble), the service ended with a slightly newer Borlase tradition - the massed choir item. This brought together all performers (almost 200 students as well as - on the final day - our staff choir!) in an entertaining and merry arrangement of The Holly and the Ivy by John Gardner, and sent the hundreds of congregation members off into the Christmas break with plenty of festive cheer!

Thank you and well done to all involved - and wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Autumn Concert - November 2023

On the 16th of November, the annual Autumn Concert took place in the theatre. This concert is always an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talents in an array of musical ensembles. The concert always contains a wide variety of musical styles and this year was no exception with performances ranging from a Youth Voices 2000s Medley to a performance of St Paul’s Suite from symphony orchestra.

Choral groups were also on full display, with a stunning performance of ‘Refuge’ from Chapel Choir, a mashup of classics from Cambiata, two gorgeous pieces from Forte e Fiero and performances of ‘The Leaving of Liverpool’ and ‘The Longest Time’ in true Madriguys style.  There was also two Gospel classics from an electric Gospel Choir, and impressive performances of ‘A Gaelic Blessing’ and ‘Daemon Irrepit Callidus’ from Cantorum.

However, instrumental performances were just as excellent. Smaller ensembles such as Brass Ensemble, Flute Choir, Saxophone ensemble, and String quartet put on an excellent show, all bringing something original to the performance. And last but certainly not least, there were the larger ensembles; an exhilarating performance of ‘Grand March from Aida’ from Symphony Orchestra, A Mika Medley from Concert Band, and superlative entertainment from both Jazz Band and Jazz Orchestra.

Summer Concert & The Borlase Musical Theatre Project - June 2022

At the time of writing we are looking forward to bringing the Borlase community something special this summer across two evenings. Alongside our traditional Summer Concert, showcasing the many talents of our Y7-10 musicians, we will also be presenting the Borlase Musical Theatre Project, a short journey through musical theatre during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. 

The first half of each evening will celebrate the achievements of our Y7-10 musicians. Mr Miall has put together a delightful programme featuring Youth Voices, Youth Orchestra, Jazz Band and some fantastic solo and small group contributions. There will be a slightly different offering of soloists across the two nights, although the larger ensembles mentioned above will perform on both evenings. Mr Miall will be contacting students straight after half term about how they can put themselves forward for a solo or small group performance.

We will present the Borlase Musical Theatre Project in the second half of both evenings. Mark Hartley and his team from JAM Theatre Company have put together this fantastic offering of musical theatre favourites to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Students have been rehearsing tirelessly after school and on weekends to put this together in a short time, and we have been very impressed by their efforts! We were very keen that our Y7-10 students had an opportunity to perform in a Borlase production, having missed out for the last two years, and we know they will give us an amazing performance! Mrs Chislett

Senior Concert - April 2022

Borlase’s Senior Concert continues to be a delightful celebration of the quality of music and musicians our school is home to, even despite a two-year absence. As is tradition, Symphony Orchestra opened the evening with a rousing rendition of Jacques Offenbach’s Overture to ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’. The night continued, featuring beautiful performances from the student-led Year 13 Jazz Quartet and Chapel Choir and upbeat numbers from Concert Band, Gospel Choir and Jazz Orchestra, many of which got the theatre audience singing and clapping along! It will no doubt be remembered fondly as the final concert performance for our outgoing Year 13 students, who have been an absolute credit to themselves and the school - whether it be playing solos in Jazz Orchestra; moving harmonies and descants in Cantorum’s ‘The Road Home’; or the hilarious Leavers’ Medley, portraying various arts department staff members. The Borlase performing arts department is an incredible experience for anyone, and sometimes it takes leaving the school to truly appreciate its calibre.

By Joel Taylor, Year 12

Spring Chamber Concert - March 2022

We were delighted to see the annual Spring Chamber Concert take place on Wednesday, 23 March, where family and friends gathered in the intimate set-up of the recital room to watch musicians from a range of year groups perform and celebrate Borlase music together. It was a night of high standard repertoire, the performers' expertise as always proceeding itself. Some of the students performed pieces they have been practising for specific examination purposes, or others simply due to their love and passion for music. From exceptional pianists and guitarists to stunning vocalists, the range of talent was also an impressive feature of the evening. For example, Ella Thornton-Wood sang a beautiful rendition of a Norwegian song inspired by the fairytale of Peer Gynt called Solveig's Song. A special thank you must be given to the student and staff accompanists, without whom the night could not have taken place, as well as the technical team and music department. 

By Harry Fayers, Year 13

Borlase Charity Jazz Night - March 2022

We were privileged to host a fantastic evening of Jazz Music on Thursday, 3 February, in The Borlase Theatre, organised by Year 13 students Ben Cunningham-Walker and Josh Kaushal. The event was entirely student-led, whether on the stage, in the technical team or front of house. It was a lovely evening of high-quality performances, from solos to larger ensembles, including the Senior Jazz Orchestra and Gospel Choir. Ben and Josh also invited some of their friends from other local schools they perform with at the High Wycombe Music Centre. The concert was in memory of Ben's father, who passed away a few years and influenced Ben's love for Jazz. The evening was in aid of the Oxford Hospitals Charity. Ben spoke movingly about his father and the importance of the charity for him and his family. By the end of the evening, a staggering £3576 had been raised for the charity. Congratulations to Ben and Josh and all involved in this very worthy cause. Mr Miall

Carol Services 2021

The 2021 Christmas Carol Services, held in All Saints Church, saw a full return of Christmas cheer and great music which was partially missed in the prior year due to Covid 19. To say it was a spectacular return would be an understatement; the concert opened, as usual, in a still, dark church lit only by candlelight. The chosen opening piece was ‘Star Light, Star Bright’, and was composed by an old Borlasian, Jordan Stockdale. The arrangement was performed specially by Year 13 students, who enriched the church with an ethereal sound. Other performances included the usual carols performed by Cantorum, as well as ‘A Gallery Carol’, and this year saw the return of Gospel Choir, whose pieces included a joyful rendition of ‘Oh Happy Day’. Youth voices sang a stunning rendition of ‘Carol of the Bells’, and the Chapel Choir also performed, conducted by Poppy Murray. Altogether, the 2021 Carol Concert highlighted the festive spirit of Borlase and signified a great return for the Performing Arts. 

By Joe Parkinson, Year 13

Mr Robsons' Advent Concert - December 2021

Tuesday 7th of December marked the beginning of the festive period at Borlase, with Mr Robson’s annual Advent Concert. Musicians and vocalists aged 11-18 gathered together to recite works composed by Handel, Bach, Quantz and more with the brilliant acoustic of the Wethered Room. 

Several teachers also participated with readings - from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ to Anne Brontë’s poem ‘Music on Christmas Morning’ - which helped form an eclectic, festive programme in celebration of Baroque music and the start of advent. Despite ongoing COVID restrictions, the performance was live-streamed for families to watch at home. This is thanks to the fantastic work of the Borlase Tech team, led by Ms Chislett. The concert has been made available on the Borlase Youtube Channel for those who were unable to watch the performance at the time (or would like to see it again!) 

Special thanks to Mr Robson, who put together an excellent programme which allowed students to perform Christmas music to a live virtual audience. Onwards to the Carol Services!

By Ella Thornton-Wood, Year 13

Autumn Concert - November 2021

After a two year hiatus, the Autumn concert was back and as spectacular as it always has been. It was fantastic to see the return of all choirs, orchestras and bands who have been working diligently since September on new and exciting pieces. 

Youth Voices performed a touching rendition of 'When I Grow Up' from Matilda, leaving the audience demanding an encore which the students took great pleasure in delivering; the future for music at Borlase is truly in safe hands! The Gospel choir took us back to the 70s with an animated rendition of 'Somebody to Love', full of flawless riffs and classy choreography. The Jazz Orchestra is as strong as ever, demonstrating the incredible improvisation skills of students of ranging experience. 

The audience was highly impressed by the standard and expertise of the students, despite all the recent challenges they have faced. People left the theatre with comments such as 'it is as though nothing has changed', a statement that truly represents the work ethic and passion of all involved in the concert's production. 

Another notable performance was the beautiful rendition of 'Danny Boy' performed by Cantorum in memory of Matron. She always loved the performing arts at Borlase, taking great pride in watching and supporting the music department throughout the years. She will always be a beloved member of our Borlase community with a heart of gold that we'll never forget. 

By Harry Fayers, Year 13

Rock Revolution 2021

On 4 November, ‘Rock Revolution’ took place in the Borlase Theatre. Previously known as ‘Rocktober’, the event was wholly organised, marketed and run by the Year 13 Technical Theatre students, who showcased a fantastic evening of Rock music! 

Eight bands were performing from year 13 to year 8 with songs that reflected the theme of ‘Revolution’ such as ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries - a War protest song, well-known classics that got everyone singing along, and even originals written by the bands! It didn’t take long for the crowd to warm up, and by the end of the evening, the atmosphere was pretty electrifying. The last band of the night was ‘Cozy’, who even dedicated a song to the renowned Borlasian Band ‘Dolly and the Dinosaur’, who inspired them when they performed at Borlase. Well done to everyone who performed and those backstage who made it a memorable evening.

By Sophie Le Duc, Year 13

Autumn Chamber Concert - October 2021

After almost two years of having a reduced events programme due to Covid, the Music Department was buzzing to be performing live in school again! The first music event of the year took place on Wednesday, 13 October - the Autumn Chamber Concert. 

The concert included music played by soloists from year 7 to year 13, with various instruments and styles - from Saxophone to Electric Guitar to Piano, and even pieces written by the students themselves. It was lovely to showcase the talent of Borlase across the ages, especially after such a long time - for many, this was their first-ever music performance at Borlase! This was made even more special as we performed in the new Borlase Recital Room, set up by the Technical Theatre team, which we hope to use for many more music events as the atmosphere for both the audience and performers was unmatched. A big thank you to all involved; it definitely set the musical year off to a strong start.

By Lizzy Rackstraw, Year 13