Harmony in Motion at Orchestral Open Day

Pupils from senior school and Caterham Prep were joined by pupils from local prep schools for an Orchestral Open Day. The orchestra, comprised of around 65 pupils, worked under the guidance of guest conductor Robert Max, to learn a variety of music including Grieg’s Anitra’s Dance and When You Wish Upon A Star from Disney’s Pinocchio. Under Robert’s expert tuition, pupils improved their orchestral playing and really enjoying playing with pupils from other prep schools, which included Copthorne, Hazelwood, Cumnor House, Russel House, Copthorne School, Oakhyrst Grange and The Hawthorns. Parents were invited for refreshments, before all pupils gave a showcase performance to a packed Humphreys Theatre. Members of the senior school Symphony Orchestra then joined with the younger pupils to perform a massed item – In the Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg – with almost 100 musicians performing together. ETS and Symphony Orchestra performed Faure’s famous Pavane, giving pupils from the prep and senior school the opportunity to sing and play together. ETS gave beautiful renditions of two pieces of choral music, by Bob Chilcott and Alexander L’Estrange. The Symphony Orchestra ended the concert with four further pieces, finishing with a rousing rendition of the famous Dambusters March. Well done to all musicians – of all ages and from all schools – for a fantastic day of music-making.