Strings & Piano Masterclass  

On January 17th, our young string and piano prodigies had an unforgettable day. Talented pupils like Emily (viola), Mia (cello), and James (piano) eagerly participated in an intensive Strings and Piano Masterclass. 

Led by a team of accomplished musicians, this masterclass provided not just technical coaching but also personal insights that only years of experience can offer. The young musicians explored new depths of their abilities and learned the importance of working together as an ensemble. 

Beyond the notes and rhythms, the session was a source of inspiration and motivation. Our pupils left with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper love for the art of music, eager to apply their newfound skills in future performances. 

A Letter to the Trenches 

Year 4 is eagerly gearing up for their production of ‘A Letter to the Trenches.’ 

The story follows Joe and his friends as they enlist, leaving behind worried families, while the girls take on work in munitions factories. 

Young Alfie loses a crucial letter, Grace faces opposition from her father, and Mrs. Schroder is targeted for her German name. With wartime songs, the boys head to France, and letters from the trenches become vital. Alfie finally delivers the letter, lifting Grace’s spirits. Even the trenches see a brief respite with the Christmas Truce. 

The show concludes with a village fete and a poignant remembrance for absent loved ones. Catch this touching production in the Senior School Theatre on February 28th – tickets are available through TicketSource: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tauntonschool  

Performing Arts Cafes @ The Chapel 

With the Centenary Hall currently unavailable, our weekly Performing Arts Cafes have been relocated to the Chapel.  We have enjoyed brilliant drama and music over the past few weeks and are delighted that the Cafe series continues to be a popular and well supported event. 

Many of our talented musicians, spanning all age groups, are gearing up to perform in the regional Taunton Festival of the Arts (Music rounds) over the next two weeks. They’ve been diligently training and are using the Performing Arts Cafe concerts as “practice performances” in preparation for playing in front of an external adjudicator, competing with musicians from other local schools. 

Good luck to all our hardworking musicians, singers, and choirs! 

Ballet and Dance 

At the end of last term, we celebrated a splendid Dance Show, highlighting the talent and passion of all our ballet and dance ensembles. From en pointe ballet classes to character dances, the performances showcased a diverse range of dance genres and traditions, reflecting the strength and breadth of our department and our expert Dance Teachers, Ms. Turner and Miss Sanderson. 

This term kicked off with a Dance Showcase in the Gwyn Williams Room, featuring ballet classes, character dance ensembles, and tap performances from our Senior class and Grade 5 Ballet students Diya, Eleanor, and Emily. 

We also celebrated the success of our Ballet exam candidates: 

Year 1: Paris, Matilda, Alice, Molly, Mila, Alexander, Ettie, Ralph, Ted, Curtis, Joury – all passed their Pre-Primary Exam. 

Year 3 – Primary Exam: Megan P, Millie O, Zara CP, Francesca L, Amelia B, Chloe B – High Merit. Special mention to Emily F for achieving Distinction. 

Seniors – Grade 8: Haley and Isla – High Merit.