Opening with a moving whole-school rendition of David Archuleta’s Glorious, the evening immediately established its warmly celebratory tone before showcasing an impressive breadth of solo and ensemble talent. Rohit delivered a beautifully sensitive piano interpretation of Remember Me, while the String Ensemble brought infectious energy to a rousing La Cucaracha. A particular highlight of the first half came from the vocal quintet of Alexander, Anay, Henry, Harry and James, whose confident performance of Alex Warren’s Carry You Home drew an enthusiastic response from the audience, before the staff themselves raised the roof with a thoroughly entertaining rendition of Bryan Adams’ Summer of ’69, much to the delight of children and audience alike.
Following a sunny and joyful interval picnic, the second half, if anything, surpassed the first. After a colourful and lively whole-school performance of Beautiful Creatures, Year 5’s exuberant Best Day of My Life captured the uninhibited joy of childhood, while Nikhil’s solo violin performance of Vivaldi’s Spring was a moment of burgeoning artistry that garnered the admiration of the crowd. The vocal ensemble of Siddarth, Arjun, Stefan and Archunan brought real maturity and feeling to Jess Glynne’s I’ll Be There, while Francis’s solo performance of Middle of a Moment from James and the Giant Peach was a confident and heartfelt rendition from a young performer who so clearly loves to sing. Year 6’s closing number, Golden, felt like the perfect send-off for the school’s leavers: bittersweet, bright and full of promise.
The emotional crescendo of the evening, however, belonged to the whole-school tribute to Mr Smith. In a feat of secrecy that caught the Headmaster entirely off guard, the children performed the traditional farewell song Pō Atarau in Māori with poise and sincerity, before parents were invited to join in for the English verse. It was one of those concert moments that transcends performance and becomes something altogether more human: a moving farewell from the whole School community.
The evening then closed in the most joyous fashion imaginable, with the Hampton Brass Ensemble joining the whole school for Kool & The Gang’s Celebration – words on screen, no excuses, and not a single person in the audience who needed them. Miss Bee’s programme notes spoke of sending everyone home with a full heart. On this occasion, the boys more than delivered.
Reflecting on this milestone event, Head of Music and Drama, Miss Bee said:
Ten years of music, ten years of memories, and ten years of watching remarkable young people grow and flourish before your eyes!
