King Edward's Music

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!

On Friday 19th November, students from King Edward VI High School for Girls and King Edward’s School performed at the Elgar Concert Hall in the Bramall Music Building at the University of Birmingham. The programme featured pieces by Brahms, Delibes, and a new opera commissioned from Christopher Churcher in Sixths.

Thank you to David Ash for the photographs below:

On Monday 8th November, our visiting jazz piano teacher and ex-KES pupil, Mr Joe Thompson, gave an assembly to all boys in Shells, Removes and Upper Middles.

Along with Fifths pupils Daniel Gooding and James Gooding on drums and bass respectively, Mr Thompson played some examples of well-known tunes in different styles. He also explained what the concept of harmony was, by transitioning between songs with different genres seamlessly due to their similar harmonic structures.

The overarching message of the assembly addressed the importance of exploring new avenues and to have the courage to try new things; not just in music, but in life in general.

Mr Thompson comes into school to teach jazz piano every Monday. Please do get in touch with the Music Department if your son would like to have lessons.