Back in the swing of things

After a half term break the Music Department at CGS has returned with a full programme of individual music lessons, rehearsals every lunchtime, Y7 composing with a Chinese theme, Y8 working on the Blues, GCSE compositions and performances a-plenty, and Y13 getting to grips with Grade 8 Theory.  Mendelssohn has provided our Music as 'Composer of the Week' - including the wonderful Octet for Strings.

As part of our outreach programme Mrs. Lester organised a group of Y11 students to take their instruments and voices to Colyton Caterpillars [a local pre-school group].  This was an excellent occasion - much enjoyed by everyone.

 We move on now towards two of our major events of the year: the Concerto Concert on March 23rd which will feature performances from Y13 students [Vivaldi, Mozart, Larsson, Faure, Bruch, Beethoven and Hopley are among the composers].  Our annual Choral Concert follows hot on the heels of this and will be in Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 16th April.   For both events tickets will be available from the school.

Ferdinand Joseph LeMothe 1890 -1941

aka ‘Jelly Roll Morton’

Music performed by this pioneer of Jazz will be playing all week before and after school and during breaks in the Music Centre foyer.  Morton was born in New Orleans, the home of Jazz, and was a leading figure in the development of Jazz.  In 1902 he was even quoted as saying that he invented the genre himself.  However it was his arranging which won him real fame – proving that the improvisatory nature of Jazz could be notated and maintained.  His 1915 composition Jelly Roll Blues is said to have been the first Jazz piece ever published.  His best known recordings involve him at the piano with his band Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers [nothing new in band names!].

On our playlist this week are  Black Bottom Stomp, Wolverine Blues,  Doctor Jazz, Mint Julip and Michigan Water Blues.