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Swing Into Spring 2020

Saturday 7 March saw a celebration of some of the most influential and iconic British Music of all time in the Lord Riche Hall as the Music Departments of Felsted Senior and Prep Schools combined forces for this year’s ‘Swing into Spring’. 

Britain is always at the cutting edge of contemporary music, and also has a fine classical tradition, boasting some of the world’s greatest orchestras and choirs. The programme for ‘Swing into Spring’ had great variety and the selection of music showed off the range and quality that is the very best of British Music.

The concert started with the Orchestra playing a rousing rendition of Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ from The Planets, and this was followed by a section of ‘British Sea Songs’ as traditionally heard at the Last Night of the Proms. This section of the concert was concluded with a stirring performance of 'Land of Hope and Glory'.

The Prep School Young Voices choir sang three songs by The Beatles with great energy followed by a moment of reflection as Senior Chapel Choir sang three British folk songs. To round off the first half of the concert, the two school choirs combined to sing together 'Sky Full of Stars' by Coldplay and 'Don’t Look Back in Anger' by Oasis - ably accompanied by the newly formed band ‘Mr Thear and Friends’. 
 
After a suitably British meal of fish and chips served during the interval, the second half of the concert had music from the school’s Jazz Bands. The Prep School Jazz Band played charts by The Beatles, Adele and Eurythmics, whilst the Senior School played numbers by Queen, Tom Jones and The Who. In addition to this, both the school Jazz Bands combined forces to play an energetic and enjoyable performance of 'Skyfall' together. 
 
Next to the stage were the winners of this years ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition with The Churchmen playing a dynamic performance of Elton John’s 'I’m Still Standing'. Bringing the concert to a close, the Funk Band entertained the LRH with 'Pick Up The Pieces', Ed Sheeran’s 'Shape of You', 'You Really Got Me' by The Kinks and 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' by The Clash.
 
Throughout the evening, there were performances by the various school Steel Bands showing off a range of playing styles from pop, disco and rock. We heard music from the Senior Steel Band, Year 7 Steel Band and Year 8 Steel Band and it was great to see the students playing with such enthusiasm. 
 
‘Swing into Spring’ was an excellent team effort and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in making the evening such a fantastic success.