Welcome to what is becoming an all too familiar celebration of the Festive Season and showcase of the musical talents of learners from Year 7 right through to Sixth Form here at YGACS.
So … in lieu of our scheduled Christmas concert this year (15th December 2021) and to promote some ’good news’ & highlight the hard work of our musicians and ’Music Team’ of visiting instrumental and vocal tutors who, despite the COVID restrictions have safely compiled this online event for your entertainment.
The WAG restrictions mean we are limited regarding effective rehearsal of larger groups but within limitations and following guidance we are pleased to present both choral and instrumental group performances on this year’s programme.
In our Christmas Concert we normally formally launch the annual school production, Addams Family, Fame, We Will Rock You etc… Of course, back in March 2020 the lights of London’s West End and regional theatres across the UK went ‘dark’ and whilst the professional shows are back the amateur scene is still not recovered. So, linked to the ’The Show Must Go On’ campaign promoting the impact of COVID on the Arts and Music and Theatre particularly we will focus on Music Theatre alongside traditional ‘Festive Fayre’.
We will spotlight some of the highlights of the Year 12 & 13 (PPE) ’Mock’ Practical Exams that took place on 8th December & feature some outstanding soloists from the 6th form.
The flavour will be broadly festive but also an opportunity to showcase our exceptionally talented learners who throughout lockdown have found new ways of working with their instrumental and vocal tutors and indeed the work of the Peri Team who produced an invaluable library of YouTube style tuition videos during lockdown and provided countless hours of synchronous tuition via TEAMS.
Personally, I’d like to thank the Music Team at YGACS:
Mr. Baker (Guitar Tutor)
Mr. Galozzi-Hibbert (Drums)
Mr. Morris (Brass)
Mrs. Gibbs (Woodwind)
Mr. Fortey (Voice)
Mr. Chinnock (Piano/Accompanist)
For all their hard work. But especially, Mr Edwards (Bass, Violin, Vocals) a continuous support and a good friend.
Also, Mrs Morgans, her management team, and the Governors of YGACS who at every stage of the process have supported the return to music-making in school, for helping us find new ways to work safely & creatively & musically in this ‘new normal’ – Diolch. I am still genuinely proud that we were amongst the first schools to facilitate a safe return to practical music lessons back in June 2020 and the ongoing emphasis on ’finding a way’ ever since.
Finally, thanks to the young musicians of YGACS for their patience, resilience and talent that has shone through lockdown and gives genuine hope that “The Show Must Go On”.
So… enjoy a different musical item every day in December right through to Christmas Eve (only one a day!) by simply clicking on today’s date on our interactive Advent Calendar.
Best wishes for a safe, happy & healthy Christmas and a far more ‘normal’ New Year!
Rowland Gibbs (Director of Music & Culture YGACS)
1 First, Jingle Bell Rock - Words and Music by Jim Booth & Joe Beal arr. by Jerry Nowak featuring our sax section ... Xin Yi, Anaya, Joseph, Caysie, Cerys and Mrs Gibbs and a special mention for Ethan on drums & 1a Next A Christmas ballad from the 40s, ”I’ll be home for Christmas”, Music by Walter Kent words by Kim Gannon arr. Jerry Nowak with a solo from Anaya on Alto sax.
Then, Let it Snow - words by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne arr. by Bob Lowden with a solo from Xin Yi on Alto sax. & 2a Now it’s, God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen (Traditional arr. Bob Lowden) an up tempo scoring of this hymn tune & a real favourite of the rhythm section (Ben, Grace, Alice, Tom, Ethan, Poppy, and Mr Edwards)
Finally, As the legendary James Brown once said ” ... it”s got to be Funky ... ” so, a Medley of hits by the 70s group ”Earth, Wind & Fire” (Let”s Groove, Boogie Wonderland & Sing a Song) arranged by Paul Murtha featuring Alice on Bass Guitar.
Junior Flute Duet: Tansy, & Crystyn playing Angels we have heard on high in an arrangement by Mrs Gibbs.
Arthur Frackenpol’s arrangement of Johny Marks’ “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” performed by our Year 12 Saxophone Quartet – Xin Yi, Anaya, Joseph, and our Woodwind Tutor: Mrs Gibbs also featuring Poppy on Drums.
A timeless Childrens’ Christmas favourite – Jingle Bells arranged for junior woodwind Tansy, Crystyn, Summer and Imogen by Mrs Gibbs with a motley crew from Years 11 & 12 guesting on ”percussion”.
Bach’s setting of words by Franck as a Flute Duet featuring Thomas (Year 13) & Poppy (Year 11) accompanied by Mr Chinnock an elegant and traditional arrangement of “Sheep May Safely Graze”.
A musical ”Tour de Force” next from Rachmaninov’s Prelude in G Minor played by Peter Year 13 on the grand piano.
Next, a Year 10 Student, Logan playing a Piano Solo: "Lights in the Rear-view" is a piano piece written by Ben Crosland which has a strong, driving rock vibe which builds with intensity.
A classical guitar solo from Ben a technically demanding piece that showcases acoustic guitar technique.
Joseph - Sax Solo - ”Interactive”. Joseph performs this contemporary Sax piece by Sarah Rodgers from the Trinity grade 6 syllabus. This rhythmically energetic piece focuses on crisp articulation with contrasting styles and dynamics, making it a fun piece to play and listen to!
Katie performs this Jazzy George Gershwin number from the 1937 film ”A Damsel in Distress”. Regarded as one of the finest Jazz numbers of its time, it was originally performed by Fred Astaire, and later covered by Jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. In our eyes, Katie’s performance is right up there with the very best!
Libby performs the role of Eliza in this emotionally driven piece from the award winning musical ”Hamilton’, written and composed by Lin Manuel Miranda. Eliza is feeling betrayed and humiliated by public revelations about Hamilton’s affairs, and she vows to burn his love letters and erase the memories of them from her mind!
Written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Evita tells the life story of the Argentine Leader Eva Peron. Grace performs the timeless classic ”Dont Cry For Me Argentina” where Eva is trying to win the favour of the people of Argentina.
From the 2004, Tony Award-Winning Musical ”Avenue Q”, Chloe performs this sweet and whimsical song which takes an ironic look at love and friendship through somewhat sceptical eyes!
Written by the Australian Singer Songwriter ”Sia” for the 2014 film re-make of ”Annie”, this song is Annie”s first big opportunity to sing publicly on stage. This is Jessie”s first big Opportunity to perform solo at ACS, and like Annie, she is a star in the making!
Written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz for the 1995 Disney animation ”Pocahontas”, Jasmine tells the story of Pocahontas as she sings about how the natural habitat and lives of the native American people should be respected. Jasmine is performing her first solo for ACS and we cant wait to hear more of her wonderful singing in future concerts!
Brass Duet - First Nowell is a traditional English Christmas Carol with Cornish origins. with a soaring melody executed beautifully by Layla on Cornet with her warm, delicate tone..
Brass Duet – Away in a Manger, is one of the most popular Christmas carols in the repertoire. You will hear Ethan executing this timeless classic with confidence and style.
Guitar Solo - Isobel is playing a grade 4 classical guitar piece, ”Village Blackbird Blues” by Martin Fogel. A nice fusion of classical and blues.
Guitar Solo/Duet - Ffion takes the lead in this traditional Christmas carol, ”Good King Wenceslas”
Junior Brass - Six weeks ago Year 7 students Tegan, Morgan and Ollie had never played the Cornet before. Today they will perform their festive rendition of Jingle Bells.
From the multi award-winning musical ”Les Miserables” written by Boublil and Schonberg, Joel performs the role of Javert who after unwittingly saving his old rival Valjean from a robbery, vows to complete his manhunt after Javert once again slips through his grasp!
An arrangement by Mr Edwards of a 1982 hit originally by Yazoo but perhaps made more famous in its guise as the 1983 Christmas No:1 by ”The Flying Pickets” here is the Year 12 ensemble performance of ”Only You”. Guitar Ensemble … Christmas Medley - Isobel, Rhys, and Tyler takes us through three traditional Christmas carols, ”The Coventry Carol”, ”I saw three ships”, and ”Tomorrow shall be my dancing day”. All credit to these pupils, as it is the first time they have played together as an ensemble.
Massed voices together in an upbeat multi part arrangement of a Christmas Classic “Sleigh Ride” under the direction of our Vocal Tutor Mr Fortey and accompanied by our departmental accompanist Mr Chinnock, we proudly present ACS Chamber Choir and Strings (Alissa and Mr Edwards) (Sound Effects supplied by Mr Morris)