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Christmas Concert 2016
The Christmas Concerts at the Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare are a long-standing Churchill tradition and an annual highlight of the school calendar – and this year’s concert didn’t disappoint! The sheer range of music and performance on show, the participation in depth from across the school, and the incredibly high standard of musicianship brought the house down.
Our students took on some challenging classical repertoire, including a beautifully sung Suscepit Israel from J.S. Bach’s Manificat in D from our vocal trio, and Three Romanian Dances by Bartok from the Senior Orchestra. The Big Orchestra also took on classics from Rossini and Bizet, whilst Mimi Mendl, winner of the Year 7 and Year 8 music competition, treated the audience to her solo performance of an Intermezzo by Kodaly.
More contemporary music was also in plentiful supply, with Concert Band, the Year 13 Band, Jazz Orchestra and Sixth Form Ensembles delivering note-perfect performances with great confidence and skill. The Year 13 BTEC group marked Roald Dahl’s centenary with extracts from musicals based on his books, before the effervescent Youthful Spirit got the audience warmed up for the finale: Junior Choir.
The massed ranks of 200 Year 7 and 8 students told Christmas Story through songs written by them as part of our annual song writing competition. The soloists were fantastic, including an appearance by Elvis The King himself (played by Will Truckle), backed by the huge ensemble whose moves and vocals were timed and pitched to perfection. Christmas officially starts here!
The whole evening was compered with great professionalism by Year 12 students Lucy and Nina, who kept the audience entertained and involved as the very slick backstage crew managed the set changes seamlessly. We owe a debt of thanks to the Playhouse staff, all the teachers and support staff who enabled the event to happen, families for their support with rehearsals, and the wonderful performers who shone from the stage on the night.
“A brilliant evening, performed to a professional standard. I could not be prouder to be the Headteacher of this amazing school.” Chris Hildrew, Headteacher
“What a treat it was to watch the students of the academy perform last night at the Playhouse. I won't lie, prior to attending I thought that it was going to be a long 3 hours watching the show, how wrong I was! I would have happily watched another 3 hours after it was over. It was a fantastic and really well planned evening that demonstrated how the school have nurtured the musical talents of every child involved. As a parent, I am thankful that my children live in a country where they receive free education, and as a new Churchill Academy parent I am so grateful that my child is receiving it at this school.” Year 7 Parent
“Please will you pass on my hearty congratulations and my undiluted admiration for everyone involved in what was a stunning concert. Too many highlights to single any out - it was all so brilliant. I said when I left that such events, such talent and such unalloyed joy would be what I'd miss the most. So, thanks to all for a wonderful evening.” Dr Barry Wratten, previous Headteacher
“I just wanted to say that the whole show was absolutely amazing and every single pupil performed outstandingly. Churchill Academy should be so proud of their students. They are a credit to the staff and academy.” Year 7 Parent
“I just wanted to say how fantastic I thought the Christmas concert was last night. The standard was so high and as a new parent to the school I was blown away! We are so pleased that our daughter is at such a musical school." Year 7 Parent
“What a fabulous performance last night! I really enjoyed it from start to finish. Please pass on my congratulations to the music team for producing such a wonderful evening’s entertainment.” Ian Poole, Chair of Governors
