The Autumn Concert was a celebration of ensemble music-making at Taunton School, demonstrating the diversity of styles undertaken, and the range of skill of the musical performers. 75 musicians took their places in the chapel, with a number of people appearing in numerous groups throughout the programme.

The orchestra opened the event with vibrant music by Mexican composer, Marquez, taking the audience on a journey through a range of musical moods, and the Wind Band, directed by Miss Harris and Mr Reading, filled the chapel with sound with a performance of impressive contrasts. Small ensembles were very well-represented and included the stylish clarinet quintet, the horn ensemble performing a refined ‘Evening Prayer’ and the brass ensemble giving an antiphonal performance of Gabrieli.

The percussion ensemble delighted the audience with familiar film music, and the chapel choir and AVE gave sensitive performances of contemporary pieces. The sizeable Taunton School chorus gave a rousing rendition of ‘River in Judea’, and Dance Band and Funk Band produced toe-tapping numbers towards the end of the evening. This was an uplifting showcase of the ensemble musicians’ work in the Autumn Term, and preparations are already underway for many other musical events next term!