King Edward's Music

Yesterday evening, the new Shell pupils had the opportunity to show us their musical accomplishments performing at the Shells’ Recital.

The Shells’ Recital happens annually, and is a great introduction to the array of performance opportunities which they will be able to get involved in throughout their time at KES. The boys played a variety of pieces on a variety of instruments; from the piano, to the cello, to the Indian flute.

The Senior Swing Band, along with some guest musicians and student-led small ensembles, put on an excellent show on Sunday 19th June for our annual Summer Jazz Concert. Repertoire included classic jazz standards such as Duke Ellington’s ‘In A Sentimental Mood’, and film favourites such as the theme tune to ‘Mission Impossible’. It was fantastic to see how the jazz scene amongst the students is growing under the leadership of drummer Gary Hill and jazz pianist Joe Thompson.

On Friday 17th June, we welcomed five local primary schools to the Ruddock Hall as part of an outreach programme to develop their choirs and help them to teach music and songwriting. Around 150 primary school children took part in the event, which saw them showcasing their self-composed pieces which they had been working on for six months. Thank you to the students who volunteered their time to help the children around and to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

The Senior Swing Band hosts another summer’s evening of jazz, featuring soloists from both schools and professional guest musicians including Joe Thompson.

After the hiatus of the pandemic it is great to return, with a thriving Swing Band under the inspired leadership of Gary Hill.

Old Edwardian, Joe has been a regular in London clubs for more years than he cares to remember, as well as being resident pianist at the world famous Ivy Club, and TV appearances. He has a number of high profile clients to his name, including royalty, all of whom are willing to vouch for his musicianship!

We are lucky enough to have him providing his services to the school on a more regular basis these days and it’s no surprise that small-group jazz, and jazz piano are thriving under his remarkable stewardship.

Tickets are available on the Ruddock Hall website at: https://tickets.ruddockpac.co.uk/sales/events/ruddock-hall/summer-jazz-concert-2022/ticket

Stay tuned to also hear about our upcoming Jazz Instrumental Evening, happening on Monday 27th June!

On Wednesday 30 March, approximately 300 students from King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School took part in this year’s concert at Symphony Hall where 11 of our music ensembles performed. This included a Massed Choir consisting of KES/KEHS Choral Society, Lower School Choir, KES Choir and KEHS Chamber Choir joining forces to perform Handel’s ‘Zadok The Priest’ in the spirit of Her Majesty’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Repertoire across the concert varied from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, to Erroll Garner’s ‘Misty’, to Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to all the members of staff who helped out on the day!

On Thursday 3rd February, students from King Edward VI High School for Girls and King Edward’s School performed in the Lunchtime Recital in the Ruddock Hall. The programme featured chamber music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Amy Beach, performed by the String Quartet and Piano Quintet respectively.

Thank you to David Ash for the photographs below:

On Sunday 5th and Monday 6th December, 11 of our music ensembles from King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School took part in this year’s Christmas Concerts. Below, you can see the KES/KEHS Symphony Orchestra, KES Choir, and Concert Band in action. Well done to everyone who performed!