Pupils perform a teatime repertoire

Pupils perform a teatime repertoire

1st February 2023

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YOUNG musicians hit all the right notes as an old favourite returned to the school calendar.

Pupils from Barnard Castle Preparatory School blew, banged and strummed their way through a programme of music before an audience of happy parents.

The teatime repertoire saw Year 2-6 pupils ‘have-a-go’ with a variety of instruments ranging from drums and piano to euphonium and saxophone, as well as singing.

Parents were entertained by a diverse rendition including What Should We Do With the Drunken Sailor and songs by Elton John and Daft Punk.

Director of Music Richard Dawson said: “It is so important to provide the children with an opportunity to have-a-go and perform in front of an audience. This boosts their confidence and self-esteem in equal measure and hopefully inspires them to continue playing in the future.”

Headmistress Laura Turner added: “The variety was lovely and it was wonderful to be able to give the children this opportunity again. All the children were brilliant and they really enjoyed having a platform on which to perform.

“We were thrilled to reinstate our concert and from the smiles on everyone’s faces I think they had a really good time.”

For sixth former Benjamin Taylor the concert evoked memories of when he performed at Prep School.

The grade 6 pianist and diploma grade saxophonist has been studying the impact music has on the brain for his extended project qualification.

He said: “I remember the have-a-go concerts well. I used to practise and practise and then when I performed in front of my friends, parents and teachers it was such good fun. They inspired me to continue my music in senior school.

“From my research there is a clear link between our psychological state and music. There is emotional attachment, music affects our mood, it can energise us – and it brings back memories.”

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