Autumn Term rehearsals/events

Due to Mr L-O'K's absence we will hold the whole school concert in March

and the instrumental solos concert in December

AUTUMN TERM INSTRUMENTAL SOLO CONCERTS,

Tuesday, December 2 (Years 3 and 4), Thursday, December 4 (Years 5 and 6)

Dear Parents,

On each of the above dates, UCS Junior Branch will be holding an instrumental concert for each year level, showcasing the talent emerging at the school. 

This is not a whole school event and your son will only be required to attend if performing a solo piece or as a member of the Junior Choir (for December 2) or Senior Choir (for December 4).

Please read the following thoroughly to find out the requirements of each concert.

With the number of boys learning instruments now at an all time high, it has become necessary to implement the following:

1.     Solos are limited to a maximum of 45 seconds (Years 3 & 4) or 60 seconds (Years 5 & 6) in the interest of keeping each concert to under an hour in length.  Boys playing at Grade 4 level or above will, understandably, have longer pieces, but are asked to choose pieces as close to 60 seconds as possible.

2.     Boys will be required to audition their concert piece in the third week back after half term (week beginning Monday November 25) during either of their class’s two music lessons.  Pieces that are at performance standard (or close to it) at these auditions will be heard in the Spring Concert, while pieces still needing time to perfect will be heard in informal class concerts at a later date. 

3.     Auditions are also open to those learning instruments outside school.

4.     Boys who will not be auditioning for this concert are:

·       Nike’s beginner guitarists and all electric guitar pupils  (their showcase is at Guitarfest, end of Summer Term). 

·       Boys learning drums and percussion  (their showcase is at the Percussionfest, end of Summer Term). 

·       Boys are required to bring their instruments and music to the concert. 

·       Parents, grandparents, godparents, etc. are warmly invited, but please no more than THREE GUESTS per boy due to space in the hall and in compliance with school healthy and safety policies.

·       We expect all guests to stay till the end of the concert to avoid disruption and so that every boy gets the opportunity to perform to a full audience.  

·       As the concert will be recorded on video, we kindly ask that all devices be switched off during the concert.

Looking forward to seeing you at these special musical occasions,

Stephen Lanigan-O'Keeffe, 

MUSIC CO-ORDINATOR

CAROLLING IN THE LEATHES HALL 

Monday 9/12/24, 4:00

The restrictions of 2020 brought about a new tradition of which we are now very fond. In lieu of both the former Carol Service and charity carolling, we instigated Carolling on the Terrace at the JB.  Since Covid restrictions have been lifted, we haven't felt so compelled to brace the December cold, so we welcome you to a warm afternoon of carolling in the Junior Branch hall.

This is not a compulsory choir performance, but one with which the Junior Branch choirboys will bring warmth and festive cheer to the Winter.  It is understandable that several of our choirboys will not be able to take part for religious or other family reasons.

Those singing will stay after school on Monday, December 9th and food and drink will be provided.

If your son is not carolling, he will not be required to attend Junior Choir or Senior Choir from November 22nd until the beginning of the Spring Term.  Those who are singing in the Carol Service choir will rehearse at lunch times on Mondays and Wednesdays, the first rehearsal being lunchtime Monday November 25th. 

As usual, full winter uniform is required, with a white shirt.

Stephen Lanigan-O'Keeffe

MUSIC CO-ORDINATOR

PS:  Auditions for new choir members will take place at the beginning of next term.