Lunchtime concert is a class act by Perth High

Yet again Perth High School has succeeded in assembling a symphony orchestra, a string orchestra, a brass band, a wind band, a swing band, a boys’ choir and a girls’ choir in an immaculately presented and smoothly stage-managed concert in the middle of the school summer exam season.

If there is a secret to pulling off this seemingly impossible trick year after year, let’s be happy that it is known to a school which has consistently, over the years, embodied a musical tradition which would be the envy of many an Education Authority representing an entire region.

In addition to the flagship groups listed above, there were pipers to welcome the audience (packed, by the way, of course) at the door, a full-bodied saxophone sextet (don’t try to say that too quickly) and the customary single shining star – on this occasion bassoonist Shona Rae playing Hindemith with Maureen Rutherford at the piano – a surprisingly apt choice for a summer day, and performed with a light and sure touch.

With so many pupils involved it would be impossible, short of an extra Sunday supplement, to do full justice to the achievement of all the talented youngsters and dedicated teachers who contributed, but let’s at least attempt a round-up (in no particular order).

Both choirs were on parade in impressive numbers and fine voice, presenting a varied selection including a neat and clever “Sloop John B” from the boys and an inspiring “You raise me up” from the girls.

A tight seven-piece swing band captured the Ellington classic “It Don’t Mean a Thing” to perfection, featuring an excellent rhythm section and some tidy solos, followed by a brass band double the size, giving “Smoke on the Water” plenty of attack and verve.

The strings were full and rich, in the extremes of Sibelius and ABBA, and the six saxophonists (definitely don’t rush that one) full and utterly convincing in Dvorak.

Topping and tailing the whole proceedings were the full orchestra, cool, sharp and precise, nicely capturing the rhythmic essence of Chicago, and finally the wind band Whizz Kids with a Dixieland jam where the front line consisted of three saxes and two bassoonists in a wonderful kind of trad jazz concerto grosso – absolutely terrific.

If you get the impression that this was another very special event indeed, you’re not mistaken. Hope you didn’t miss it.