The Prospect Theatre was transformed into a 1940s dance-hall on June 20 as the College celebrated its end of year Dinner Dance for students involved in music enrichment. Parents and Students came resplendent in vintage costumes to dance the night away, accompanied by the College’s principal ensembles; Choral Society, Big Band and Chamber Orchestra. The evening was packed full of fun, laughter and celebration, with audience members bringing picnic hampers and decorating their tables with period ornaments; a perfect tribute to another memorable year of music-making in the College.

Directed by Master of Ceremonies Joe Johnson (A2), audience members jived to a selection of 1940s Big Band classics, waltzed to Chamber Orchestra and were serenaded over dinner by Choral Society’s renditions of old favourites such as ‘Tea for Two’ and ‘Over the Rainbow’. Speaking after the event, Curriculum Manager Harry White said, ‘It has been yet another extraordinarily successful year for making music in the College. Over 200 students from across the College community have come together to perform ambitious and varied repertoire to a staggeringly high standard and this was the ideal way to celebrate their achievements. We’ve also, yet again, enjoyed real commitment and support from parents and tonight consolidated the sense of family and community that music engenders. With the year drawing to a close and only just out of examination season, it is remarkable that so many students have managed to pull off entertaining music of such exceptional quality for tonight’.

With the music scholars having performed last month at St Peter’s, Eaton Square and Chamber Choir having just returned from a hugely successful tour of Venice, there is always much music-making to be had, but this particular evening proved to be a unique and memorable way to draw all the students that have given so much music to the College this year together for one final performance. AS student Yasmin Chu said ‘This evening was so much fun! It was great to dress up and perform such entertaining music; and even better to see all the parents dancing!’