High School concert hits all the right festive notes
There was a good turnout for the Blairgowrie High School music department’s Christmas concert last week...writes Clare Damodaran.
Talented pupils from the Beeches Road school entertained and delighted those gathered with a number of varied performances all with a festive feel.
The show started with a medley of Christmas tunes performed by the school’s pipe band, before the string ensemble played Carol of the Bells.
The choir then sang Believe from the film The Polar Express and Nutcracker Jingles.
Megan Ashley performed a piano solo, Hummel’s Minuette and Trio, before a ceilidh band - which also featured deputy head teacher Lesley Hill on the violin - got the dancing started with a storming set comprising The Heights of Dargai, the Circassian Circle, the Gay Gordons and The Muckin’ O’Geordies’ Byre.
Ruth Daniell and Karys-Tina McHattie duetted on an impressive performance of Panis Angelicus and in something of a contrast in style were followed by the brass ensemble performing Merry Christmas Everybody and a version of the always moving Walking in the Air.
The percussion ensemble played Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne before a group of senior pupils sang The Little Road to Bethlehem.
The staff choir and band, along with pupils - many of whom had played more than one instrument - then took to the stage for a tribute to rock band Queen singing several of their hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, before leading the audience in a rousing version of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.
Principal teacher of the music and drama department at Blairgowrie High School, Rosemary Chivers, thanked everyone for coming to the show.
She said: “This time of year is very busy and we really appreciate everyone who found the time to come out and support us.
“And aren’t we lucky to be able to celebrate the start of the festive season with this kind of talent?
“This is the third year that I have done this show at Blairgowrie High School and a lot of hard work goes into making this sort of event happen.
“I would like to thank music teachers Mr Seith and Miss Young, my colleagues in the music department, Mrs McIntosh and Mrs James for all their effort, my colleagues in the drama department and the other members of staff who performed or sang, and the janitorial staff who set everything up for us. Thanks also to the pupils who all did so well, and to their parents for encouraging the young people to keep up with their music lessons.”
Aren’t we lucky to be able to celebrate the start of the festive season with this?