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10 September 2017 Abingdon Music and Drama The cello ensemble opened the Spring Concert with the boys playing as chamber musicians, without a conductor. The concert was a tremendous success with highlights including solo improvisations from Big Band and a spontaneous round of applause for the young players of the Symphonic Wind Band. Cello Ensemble The Big Band was amongst the headline acts for this year’s Abingdon’s Jazz Festival alongside other boy led bands and a staff ensemble. It is always encouraging, just as we say farewell to our senior musicians, to hear the musical talent coming through in the lower years. This year’s Junior Music Scholars’ and Soloists’ Concert contained some sparkling performances, including representatives from each orchestral section alongside some outstanding pianists. Junior Scholars’ and Soloists’ Concert Big Band The third and final phase of the Solo Competition, the junior category, saw 12 talented performers impress the audience and judge with a range of instruments, including woodwind, brass, strings and piano. The final decision was very close. Nicholas Raptakis and Jake de Jongh came joint 3rd, Oliver Glover, 2nd and Oliver Northwood, 1st with Mendelssohn’s Romance No 3. Junior Solo Competition The last concert of the year saw a very welcome guest in the form of the Headmaster join the Chamber Orchestra as a double bassist and the Gospel Choir as a bass. The Summer Evening of Light Music, with a diverse programme performed by all the senior ensembles and vocal groups, was a fitting end to a tremendous year for the Music department. Summer Concert