As part of Taunton School’s inaugural Giving Day, the music department took on the challenge of performing a single piece of music continuously for 12 hours. A host of pianists, including students and staff, took to the GWR stage to perform a brand-new work by Dr Zach Reading. The piece – titled Giving – Giving In – Giving Out – is actually three versions of the same music and allowed the performer to move freely between the arrangements, have various performances at the same time, or even improvise on the main ideas of the piece.

The mission began at 8am with Dr Reading performing first on the GWR’s Yamaha Grand Piano, before the mantle was taken up by the combined forces of the music scholars.

Over the course of the day students and staff took to the stage and the sound from the piano was never allowed to go silent during changeovers.

Highlights included Ms Stretton, Mr Cook and Freya (Year 12) performing all three versions at the same time. There were also other varied ensemble teamworks with joint performances from Kaya M and Ella B, and Ms Harris and Mrs Leck.

The day ended with a final rendition by the Community Choir as the clock snuck over to 8pm. An incredible total of 345 performances of the piece!