Remembrance Sunday – Moving Music

Woodwind and Brass musicians, together with percussionists, from across the school came together as a Wind Band to play for our annual Remembrance Sunday Service. This is always a highly moving event, and the Wind Band plays an integral part. Many new musicians joined the ensemble this year; many others have played for several years. The band played a specially composed ‘Prelude for Remembrance’, which features the Last Post melody alongside military themes, as well as Holst’s March from First Suite, the hymn tune O God, Our Help In Ages Past, and the National Anthem. The Band played with great commitment and dedication, fully suited to the atmosphere demanded by the occasion. This year, the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ were performed by Ethan T.

Following the Service, our sacred choirs, JETS, ETS and Chamber Choir performed their annual ‘Recital of Reflection and Contemplation’. The recital, held in the Wilberforce Hall continued the tradition of a short, emotional performance where powerful texts are chosen to further commemorate the day. As always, the choirs gave polished performances of beautiful pieces which included old and modern settings of well-known texts associated with Remembrance Day. The occasion brought together our sacred choral family; pupils in Year 6 to Upper 6th working together and blending in harmony. Parents, Old Caterhamians and staff were moved by the recital and congratulations must go to all of the singers for their continued dedication to their role in providing excellent music for whole-school occasions such as Remembrance.