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Clifton hits all the right notes!

Clifton sparkled like a jewel in the sunshine on Thursday when the Head of College, Mr Mark Moore, welcomed Old Cliftonian Sir David Willcocks at the official opening of the Joseph Cooper Music School. This £1.9m project reaffirms Clifton’s international reputation as a centre of musical excellence.

The state of the art facilities include a light and airy Recital Hall, recording studio, technology classrooms and a broad mix of practice rooms. There are some 20 or so established ensembles at Clifton, ranging from Chamber Orchestra to Swing Bands and A Cappella groups. A high percentage of pupils choose to take up some form of music from the diverse and dynamic programme on offer and just as exciting is our Year 2 (aged 6) enjoying their new, weekly stringed-instrument class!

Many distinguished guests from the music world, as well as the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress joined Sir David Willcocks who unveiled the plaque to officially open the Music School. The exquisite pleasure of listening to a three-piece performance by current music scholar Julia Hwang (violinist) and Charles Matthews (OC, pianist) was admirably balanced with a charming speech by Sir David.

Mr Michael Butterfield, OC Treasurer, unveiled a plaque recognising the important contribution the Old Cliftonians made in donating funds for the new pianos. Director of Music, Mr James Hills gave thanks to the many people who helped make the project such a resounding success, including Mark Webber, OC and architect, whose vision and painstaking attention to detail is so evident.

Following on from uplifting speeches, beautiful music and exciting tours, visitors drifted across to the marquee on School House lawn in warm sunshine to relax and catch up with old friends before enjoying a splendid lunch – and more music of course!

See a picture gallery of the day and the latest Music School Calendar of Events.

Chamber Concert by Clifton Music staff

Clifton’s music staff showcased their own talents by performing a concert in the evening for parents, pupils, OCs and other staff in the Recital Hall. This was a light-hearted and fun programme of very capable performing artists delighting an eager audience. There were lots of smiles, toe-tapping and enormous appreciation – and we rather hope it soon becomes a ‘Clifton tradition’.

See the evening Chamber Concert programme and picture gallery.

2 October 2009

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