This has been another busy and successful term for the music department.  Since September various ensembles have performed no less than six concerts either at school or in the local community.  It all started with many of our talented musicians entering the Southport Music Festival.  The tradition of St Mary's students entering the festival and gaining honours for their individual and group performances continues.  Notable praise should go to Nicholas Hicks, Alastair Cawdron, Anna Maher, Elizabeth Chadderton, Sue Marray and Katherine Orme.  Nicholas and Alastair won numerous first places!

October brought two concerts.  The first was held at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool where the Stage Band was invited to perform at the HMC Conference.  Playing with their usual style and finesse, the band wowed' the audience gaining great acclaim, leaving a number of headmasters envious' of our talented band.  The second concert was our very own Classics by Candlelight'.  This highlighted our GCSE and A level students allowing them the invaluable opportunity to perform in front of an audience.  The evening was a great success.

November saw the College's String Quartet and Stage Band performing at the Marriott Hotel for the Friend's of St Mary's Annual Dinner'.  Both ensembles performed to an exceptional standard, the Stage Band played for over an hour and a half playing 45 pieces in total.  A great Bravo' and Thank You' to all those involved.  The many hours of rehearsing and numerous Sunday call up's were all worth it in the end! 

During the month over twenty instrumentalists entered the first round of Associated Board of Music Exams.  On leaving the examiner remarked What a privilege it has been to listen to and examine such polite and disciplined musicians'.

December brought the busy period'!  Back to the Marriott Hotel, this time with members of the Chamber Choir singing Christmas Carols at another Ball, and then to our Message of Christmas' Carol Service.  This brought the Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Training Choir, Staff chorus and soloists together to convey the meaning of Christmas at SS Peter and Paul Church.  Once again a big Thank You' to all those involved.

It has also been a busy time for those at the Mount.  In September The Mount hosted, for the first time, the Christian Brothers Choral Festival, where St Anselms, St Ambrose and St Edwards joined members of our year 5 and 6 choir.  The theme for the occasion was Harvest' and each choir sang two pieces and a combined item.  Thanks, once again to those involved including Mrs Newby and Mr Johnston.

In November the Year 5 and 6 choir was recorded by the Southport radio station Dune fm.  Their piece was then played on the radio station for the whole of the following week.  I am sure you would all agree, a great experience for those youngsters and something they will not forget.

December brought the traditional end of term with our young musicians playing in the Carol Concert at St Joseph's and the choir performing at the Advent service at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Finally I would like to say Thank you' to all the parent's for their support over the last term, not only for ferrying your children around, but also for the support you have given the music department in general.  Without your encouragement the standards in musical performance could not be maintained or indeed built on.  I hope you all have a peaceful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all next term.