On Monday 14 May our Senior School Music Scholars and GCSE musicians were inspired by the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group at the Corn Exchange, Newbury. Misha Mullov-Abbado is a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist and award winning musician, under his direction the group perform his original jazz compositions and arrangements. From hearing and seeing his talent on the double bass it was clear why the group's debut album New Ansonia, was included in ‘Best Jazz Albums 2015’ of both The Telegraph and BBC Radio 3.

On Tuesday 15 May, Year 3 and 4 enjoyed a very loud and exciting performance by the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers at the Corn Exchange as part of Newbury Spring Festival. They learnt how to say the rhythms in Japanese, and enjoyed a very funny demonstration of how not to play the Taiko drums! Nathan was lucky enough to go on the stage with the drummers to show us his newly learnt rhythm. This was an excellent opportunity for our Junior School pupils to see and hear a genre of music beyond their usual experience. 

On Tuesday 22 May, Year 7 were incredibly lucky to watch a demonstration of traditional music, dance and prayer by the monks of the Tashi Lhumpo Monastery in Tibet. They were also invited on stage to be shown how to do the 8 important hand gestures that monks use as a blessing. It was amazing to see this ancient culture come to life, thank you to the Newbury Spring Festival for the opportunity.