By Mrs Jones (Music Teacher)

On the last day before the half-term break, the GCSE and A Level musicians had a fantastic day out in Manchester, visiting the Royal Northern College of Music and The Bridgewater Hall.

Composition students, alongside Dr Larry Goves and his incredible Studio 8, provided an inspiring workshop focusing on the incredible acoustic technology and what it is like to study composition at degree level.

After a short, rather rainy and windy walk, we arrived at The Bridgewater Hall to hear the Halle Orchestra perform a program that took us Through the Ages of the Orchestra, and we were treated to outstanding performances from soloists from the Royal Northern and the fantastic orchestra together.

A truly musically inspiring day and it was lovely to share the experiences across the key stages!

Melisa Rasool (Lower Sixth) said: “It was a great experience! Studio 8 provided an astonishing audio experience by transporting us through clever use of recording and speakers to different acoustics.”

Lauren Blower (Lower Sixth) added: “It was incredible to see the different methods of composition with graphic scores and the use of a stave pen!”

Polly Taylor (Lower Sixth) reflected: “The concert was good and presented really well. I particularly enjoyed the variety of repertoire and the acoustics of the concert hall.”

Kaila Hill (Lower Sixth) said: “I loved hearing the student compositions at RNCM, and it really inspired my own creative process.”