These are integral to School life and to the growing-up process of our young people. At times, it is difficult to believe that the boys have had to learn how to sing, to play their musical instruments, and indeed to act. We have seen a variety of music this term from the Chapel Choir, the Choral Society, the Close Harmony Group, the Orchestra, the Jazz Band, the Pipe Bands and indeed the rock bands! The Choral and Instrumental Concert involved 130 pupils participating, and the Pringle Christmas Concert displayed the development of music in the Junior School.
Drama has been very busy this term with two productions: the St George's/Merchiston The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (which involved four Merchiston pupils), and the Merchiston/St George's musical Oliver!; 65 Merchiston pupils have been involved, whether as actors or back stage. I thought Oliver! was an outstanding production. In fact, I could hardly believe my eyes and ears when I saw (and heard) the quality of the acting, singing, choreography, music, set, sound and lighting, costume and make-up. I spent the whole time smiling in amazement and respect, and it was so fascinating to watch young boys performing alongside senior pupils, and girls and boys all working collaboratively. I also found myself thinking that those working backstage were just as important as those onstage. It is a long time since we put on a production for four consecutive nights, and I am delighted with the way in which all the boys and girls sustained the quality of their performance. One often forgets that school productions are not the work of professionals but the result of creativity and much hard work by young people and staff who are also involved in all other aspects of School life.
I would like to congratulate all the staff and the pupils on their dedication to these productions, and indeed to music as a whole.
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