Hans Werner Henze died on 27th October.  He was 86 and a major musical figure in Germany and the rest of Europe throughout his lifetime.

Wikipedia is a reasonable place to start exploring his life and music.  However, Tom Service's blog in the Guardian provides a really readable, and knowledgeable, account.

Explore, listen and look for musical inspiration.

Musical variety is really important - something we provide at CGS.

Two quotes heard this week sum this up nicely:

"Great music in assembly this week" from a member of staff after hearing a recording of Adele singing Skyfall, part of our 'Genre of the Week' feature of James Bond theme tunes.

"I think I'm addicted to Vaughan-Williams" from a Y10 GCSE Music student who was doing some independent listening during a lesson.  I didn't enquire but I hope she might have been referring to the Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis, or perhaps The Lark Ascending - so beautifully played by former student Clare Mostyn a couple of years ago.

Half-term is fast approaching.
Thank you to all the staff and students in the CGS Music Department for an exciting 'music-filled' start to the 2012-13 academic year.  Much more music to come . . .

A few reminders before the holiday:
1 Please take instruments home
2 Senior Choir tour deposits due on ParentPay by Wed. 31st October
3 St. Cecilia's Day Concert coming up on Friday 23rd November

The theme is title songs ... Bond title songs.


In a change from the regular 'Composer of the Week' feature we are focussing on a genre.
All this week playing in the foyer to the Music Centre, the main themes from all the James Bond films.  In anticipation of the release of SKYFALL on Friday 26th October.

Prepare to be shaken and stirred!  

If you missed the VI form production of 'Oh, What a lovely War' shame on you!
Congratulations to the cast and crew - from my seat in the band it was a terrific show.  Hope from your seats the band were terrific too.

Y13 - thank you for your initiative, enthusiasm and energy over the last couple of years.
Y12 & Y11 - I really hope you will take this idea on next year.

If you are feeling a little deflated in the next few days - don't worry, the Music Department has plenty more going on for you to be involved in.

Final performance on Friday 19th.  This is a great production - get along and see it.

Clearly the preferred mode of transport for our Composer of the Week, and a hint at a future one.