The Associated Sixth Form was created in 1973 as a unique venture in ecumenical education. It’s aim to provide a Christian environment in which all students who wish to remain at school beyond the age of 16 could experience the expertise, experience and resources of two excellent schools.
50 years on, the Associated Sixth Form is going from strength to strength and a Golden Gala was planned that would mark this occasion bringing together exciting collaborations between the most experienced, gifted and talented performers and alumni students across both schools. On the 20th October at The Royal Hall, this spectacular event took place and it was to a packed house who entered into the celebrations with gusto.
At St. Aidan’s, Head of Music Mrs Elliott and her fantastic team; Mrs Leonard, Mrs Collett and Mr Elliott, along with St John Fisher’s Music staff, Mr Ratcliffe and Miss Longbottom, had been working around the clock rehearsing pieces that were both moving and upbeat with musical ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir and Swing Band. Miss Miller’s Year 12 Dancers performed stunning choreography to the fitting track ‘Golden’ by Harry Styles. Meanwhile, Mrs Levahn’s A Level drama students performed some challenging extracts from the Greek Tragedy, ‘Antigone’ with impressive ease and projection.
Former student, Chemistry teacher and professional musical theatre actor, Richard Upton compered the Gala expertly and even stepped in to sing ‘Mack the Knife’ when Musical theatre star, Frankie Bounds couldn’t make it due to Storm Babette. Other alumni students involved included, West End ‘Les Miserables’ star, Jo Stephenson singing an extract from Wicked and Joseph and professional clarinettist Andy Mellor with his rousing jazz solo in the classic ‘Sing Sing Sing’.
Towards the end of the concert, every space was taken up with performers coming together for an Andrew Lloyd Webber medley. To end this spectacular evening, the audience were on their feet to sing together ‘For All the Saints’ an arrangement created specifically for the evening by former St. Aidan’s Director of Music, Mark Pallant.
Well done to all who took part in the concert, one audience member felt it was ‘like being at a concert at The Royal Albert Hall!’ Thanks must also go to all who joined us for this celebration. We are all proud of the enduring success of the Associated Sixth Form and were thrilled to celebrate this notable milestone in style!
