OVER one hundred and sixty young musicians from preparatory and primary schools across the region travelled to King’s Ely Junior on May 3 to take part in the school’s annual Wind Band Day.
The youngsters, who came from St Mary’s Primary School in Ely as well as from other schools in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, brought a variety of instruments including flutes, oboes, clarinets, cornets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, bassoons and percussion.
This year’s event featured a Jubilee and Olympics theme,
with performances of the National Anthem, the Olympic Fanfare by John Williams and Chariots of Fire by Vangelis.
Students spent the entire day rehearsing in sections at King’s Ely’s state-of-the-art Gibson Music School before joining together for an informal band concert in the Hayward Theatre, which was enjoyed by parents and teachers from the 11 schools that chose to take part.
Director of Music at King’s Ely Junior, Neil Porter-Thaw said: “Many of the children who attended the event seldom get the opportunity to perform in large groups, and it is fantastic that we are able to share our facilities with so many different schools.
“The various ensembles put on a huge performance for the wind band concert, despite being in rehearsals all day, and all of the students were praised for their professionalism and conduct.”