Friday Headlines

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EHS Performing Arts Showcase

31 March 2023

EHS presented its first ever combined Performing Arts Showcase on Thursday 23 March in the Octagon. The event included musicians, singers, dancers, and actors from all year groups, and we were even joined by one of our Year 6 Pupils to perform an item from the approaching Year 6 production, Peter Pan.

To ensure that such a large and intricate showcase went smoothly, pupils remained in school on Monday 20 March to run a technical and dress rehearsal. This meant that any issues were identified and solved well in advance of the show.

The show was tremendous and supported superbly by our Tech Team directed by Mr Berman. Each performance was sensitively lit, and the microphones allowed each performer to be heard clearly. Mrs Lucas, our stage makeup expert, ensured that the girls were suitably presented for each of their different characters, again, supported by some very enthusiastic helpers, Grace S, Mariza T and Anya O. Dancers were put through their paces by Ms Lawrence and Senior Dancers Lucille S, Millie VC and Senior Dancers Jorja N and Katie K. Drama pupils were supported by Mr Lane, Ms Rowntree and A Moylan in their 1980s adaptation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

The cast of the Senior School Production, Betty Blue Eyes, performed three ensemble numbers from the show in preparation for our complete performance of the production in November. We were also treated to several solo performances by Siena Henry, Lily M, Samara K, Katherine H, Bella-Lucia Kracewicz and Hilde P. It was delightful to welcome guest performers back to EHS in Old Girl Zara Ryan and male pupils from previous productions Tom Carson, Oliver Daniels and Henry Liggins. It was so special to have them perform with us in the Octagon once again. They were more than happy to share their experiences with our pupils in the interval and I am sure they have inspired a lot of our girls with their individual and exciting journeys.

The Music Staff formed the band for the evening and were joined by Mr Powell, drums, Mrs Skilbeck, woodwind, and Mr Passey on percussion. Mr Skilbeck worked hard to arrange all of the instrumental parts for the performance and I am, as always, so grateful to EHS staff for giving up their time to help. Huge thanks must go to Mr Skilbeck, trumpet, Mrs O’Malley, piano, Mr Southall, bass and Mr Pepper, euphonium.

The evening was presented by Senior pupils Zoha S, Jess S, Amelie M and Lucille S. At the end of the evening’s performance the Ria Richardson trophy for Performing Arts was awarded to Amelie for her tireless and exemplary work this year in Performing Arts.

While the evening was a great success, the event was also the last occasion we will be working with Ms Lawrence and Mr Berman as they move on from EHS. Mr Berman has supported every musical event in the school from Friday Music Assemblies to full school productions in my tenure as Director of Music so far, he has been our biggest champion and has added terrific quality to our musical occasions. The tech team he has established and trained are a credit to Edgbaston High School and he will be deeply missed. Ms Lawrence has total and complete enthusiasm for dance and her pupils work extremely hard to achieve her demanding standards. She has contributed so much to Music through her work in our productions, once again, I expend my heartfelt gratitude to her for her support and dedication.

Well done to everyone who worked so hard to ensure this performance was the outstanding success it was. We now look forward to a summer term full of events including the brilliant Year 6 production of Peter Pan.

Thank you all and well done.

Mr Robson
Director of Music

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