It was a jolly minibus full of young musicians that sang its way to Dulwich College on Thursday morning, as 23 boys were transported with a range of instruments ranging from a flute to a double bass and almost everything in between, for the annual Music Workshop offered to our Year 6 boys. An opportunity to play with other boys of their age under the expert direction of the senior music staff of Dulwich College.
They were met, to the boys’ delight, with drinks and biscuits before being shown to the Great Hall where they were set to work straight away. Boys from Dulwich College Junior School, Newton Prep and Dulwich Hamlet Junior School joined them to create a large orchestra where they were given two pieces to work on; the classic ‘Theme from James Bond’ and Snow Patrol’s ‘Run’.
Our boys represented all sections of the orchestra and displayed the Prep values magnificently during the rehearsals, as they worked through all the new music to create something ready to perform at the end of the day. After a fabulous lunch, which had the boys’ eyes popping at the sheer number of desserts available to them, they reassembled in the Old Library for an invigorating session of songs and clapping games. They embraced the challenge with a real sense of fun and came away humming the catchy melodies.
An introduction to Samba drumming followed; a real test of self-discipline and teamwork, but from the looks on their faces, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all. After a well-deserved run around the field to let off some steam, the boys returned to their original orchestra set up from the morning, taking their regular instruments in hand and prepared to perform to the parents and teachers who marvelled at what had been achieved during just one day together.
The result was a 20-minute performance of singing, samba drumming (both with some fabulous dancing included!) and orchestral playing of a standard that would grace any end of term concert.
Thank you to the staff at Dulwich College and also to Miss Baker and Mr Cross, who accompanied the boys throughout the day.
