Princethorpe hosted its inaugural Orchestral Bonanza Day at the start of February. Over 60 young musicians from both the college and junior schools from the area enjoyed the opportunity of making music and new friends. Organised by the Music Department and the Marketing and Admissions Team the experience proved to be a huge success.

"The youngest child we had joining us was in Year 3, with the oldest being some of our Upper Sixth musicians here at the College," explained Director of Music, Mrs Francis. "The day certainly provided plenty of opportunities for all the young musicians, no matter what their standard of playing, to really benefit from playing in a large orchestra."

Junior school pupils were divided into musical groups where they were mentored by older Princethorpe musicians as well as the peripatetic teacher who conducted them. Strings, brass, percussion and woodwind rehearsed two pieces to be performed in front of family and friends later in the day. All instrumentalists then joined together to perform two whole orchestra pieces, The Grand March from Verdi’s Aida and an English country folk tune Porter’s Farewell arranged by Mrs Francis.

It wasn’t just all playing and hard work though. A musical quiz with prizes, a fabulous Sunday lunch, cookies and a goodie bag all contributed to making this a memorable occasion for everyone who took part.

Headmaster, Ed Hester, congratulated all the musicians after the lovely concert held in the Sixth Form Atrium. A resounding musical buzz filled the air as lots of excited children collected their musical goodie bags and said goodbye to the new friends they had made.

With grateful thanks to Sue Francis, Felicity Coulson, Vikki Ball, Alison Brierley (woodwind), Andrew Hughes (strings) and Peter Lacey (brass).