Play On! The evolution of the Music Department’s ‘Choc Lunch Concerts’
At the start of this academic year Dr Passmore, Director of Music, introduced weekly informal break time ‘Choc Lunch Concerts’ to the School calendar.
Hosted during morning breaks, affectionately known as Choc Lunch at The Mount, the casual concerts were intended to give pupils a chance to practise their performance skills in an informal setting. Each Friday, pupils and staff are invited to perform part of a work in progress, or perhaps a polished performance to help settle those nerves in preparation for an upcoming exam.
Performing in front of a relaxed audience allows pupils to grow in confidence and pupils (and staff!) of all ages have taken to the stage this year in the Music Department Recital Room. We have been treated to performances on a variety of instruments including cello, violin, guitar, voice, and of course on our wonderful Steinway Grand Pianos. Perhaps the most unique sound we have heard this year was a spontaneous boomwhacker duet from two of our Year 8s. Pupils from Year 7 to College II, and even members of staff from a range of departments have all taken a turn to perform. The audiences have been fantastic too – often it has been standing room only!
The concerts have been wonderfully varied – one Friday we heard an entire rendition of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (from memory!) on the Steinway, followed by ‘Greensleeves’ by our Year 9 ‘Four Roses’ string quartet, a piano duet from two Year 10 pupils, and finally a violin solo from Mr Tong.
As the year progressed so did the concerts with the introduction of special themed weeks. To celebrate Chinese New Year, Jasmine in College II played the Pipa (a Chinese Lute) and Isabella and Kiera in Year 11 and Carina in Year 10 each performed some traditional Chinese music. To mark European Day of Languages, we were treated to a stunning vocal recital by Mrs Passmore who sang a selection of pieces in different European languages, accompanied on both harpsichord and piano by Dr Passmore.
The concerts have not just been limited to musical performances – in the Summer Term we began a collaboration with the Drama department, inviting students to perform works from their Speech and Drama lessons. Year 8 pupils performed dramatic scenes as part of their ‘Shakespeare Series,’ and Year 7 pupils performed their LAMDA exam pieces for audiences in preparation for their upcoming exams. Interspersed with musical items, these dramatic additions including Mawdsley’s ‘The Case of Humpty Dumpty’ have been most warmly received.
“The concerts are a fantastic way for pupils not only to build their confidence in performing, but also the chance for staff and pupils to share a love of informal music-making together. The concerts are well attended every week, and it is wonderful to see pupils turning up with freshly baked cookies in hand to support their friends. We’ve enjoyed watching Year 7 pupils bravely building up confidence on their instruments with first outings of exam pieces, Maths teachers playing Mozart beautifully, and our Head of English moving us with self-accompanied Ed Sheeran classics. The concerts have also brought the Junior and Senior Mount pupils together when the Junior String Quartet took to the stage to perform to the older girls.
The Choc Lunch Concerts provide great opportunities for collaboration and social interaction. Performing together, joining a band, orchestra, or ensemble allows pupils to work together, listen to others, and communicate effectively. It fosters teamwork, cooperation, and the development of interpersonal skills.
As the concerts have evolved, so has our pupil’s cultural appreciation. They have experienced live music from a wide range of styles, genres, and cultures. It has broadened their understanding and appreciation of different musical traditions, fostering a sense of cultural diversity and global awareness.
I am extremely proud of everyone who has performed this year and grateful for everyone who has supported them in the audience.” Dr Passmore, Director of Music.
We look forward to the onward evolution of the concerts but remember one thing – get there early to save your seat!
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“The concerts are a fantastic way for pupils not only to build their confidence in performing, but also the chance for staff and pupils to share a love of informal music-making together. The concerts are well attended every week, and it is wonderful to see pupils turning up with freshly baked cookies in hand to support their friends. We’ve enjoyed watching Year 7 pupils bravely building up confidence on their instruments with first outings of exam pieces, Maths teachers playing Mozart beautifully, and our Head of English moving us with self-accompanied Ed Sheeran classics. The concerts have also brought the Junior and Senior Mount pupils together when the Junior String Quartet took to the stage to perform to the older girls.
The Choc Lunch Concerts provide great opportunities for collaboration and social interaction. Performing together, joining a band, orchestra, or ensemble allows pupils to work together, listen to others, and communicate effectively. It fosters teamwork, cooperation, and the development of interpersonal skills.
As the concerts have evolved, so has our pupil’s cultural appreciation. They have experienced live music from a wide range of styles, genres, and cultures. It has broadened their understanding and appreciation of different musical traditions, fostering a sense of cultural diversity and global awareness.
I am extremely proud of everyone who has performed this year and grateful for everyone who has supported them in the audience.” Dr Passmore, Director of Music.
We look forward to the onward evolution of the concerts but remember one thing – get there early to save your seat!